§ 57. Colonel DAYasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has received a letter of protest addressed to him from the conference of the London cab trade, which was held on Saturday, 30th April, stating that the conference considered the Home Secretary has failed to carry out the pledges which were given to the cab trade on 5th April, 1927, in the matter of concessions in exchange for their assent to the present reduction in fares; whether he is aware that the conference of the cab trade has threatened to withdraw its consent to such,reduction of fares; and if he can state what steps he has taken to carry out the conditions which were promised to the cab trade?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir William Joynson-Hicks)I would refer the hon. Member to the letter which I addressed to the Federation of Taxi-cab Proprietors, which was published in the Press on the 6th instant. I will send the hon. Member a copy.
§ Mr. B. SMITHWould the right hon. Gentleman not agree that the letter which he sent to the Press is, at least, beside the truth?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe hon. Member has known me for some years, and I think he will regret that he has made that observation.
§ Mr. SMITHThe letter that was sent to the Press contains statements that 909 were other than true, and I tusk the right hon. Gentleman whether, in the light of the statement he made in my presence to 24 delegates of the cab trade that he would withdraw the two-seater cabs, he has not failed in that pledge?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI cannot allow a matter of that kind to be discussed at Question Time.
§ Colonel DAYCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the concession of a reduction in fares made by the cab trade was only experimental and, if so, how long will the experiment continue?
§ Sir FRANK MEYERWill the Home Secretary bear in mind that the public of London would much prefer to walk than to be dictated to by a section?
§ 58. Sir G. STRICKLANDasked the Home Secretary whether steps will be taken to cause to be more legible the new taximeters called for by recent adjustments of fares?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThis matter has been receiving attention for some time and has been taken up with the taximeter manufacturers. The suitability of the converted taximeters with regard to legibility will be closely considered when they are submitted for approval.