§ 10. Mr. DAYasked the Home Secretary whether he has received any requests from organisations in the Metropolitan area representing taximeter cab owners or drivers asking him whether, in view of the recent increase in the price of petrol, he will appoint a departmental committee to consider an increase in taximeter fares in the Metropolitan Police district; and what reply he has returned?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe answer is in the negative.
§ Mr. DAYDoes the right hon. Gentleman appreciate the fact that, owing to the increase in the price of petrol, taxi-cab owners' and drivers' earnings will greatly diminish, and will he receive a deputation on the subject?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSReally, the increase is infinitesimal compared with the rate per mile. If the hon. Member has any information to show that the recent increase is likely to cause or could cause serious hardship to the taxicab proprietors, I shall be glad to look into it.
§ Mr. DAYIs it not a fact that it will cost at least between 1s. 6d. and 2s. 6d. a day to these men, which is a great deal of money to the ordinary taxicab driver?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI doubt it, with great respect, on an increase of 2½d. a gallon.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYOn top of the tax.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThis is a question relating to the recent increase, and I am only dealing with that, and I think that if the hon. Member works it out, he will find it is not so much as he suggests.
Mr. BECKETTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many ox these men are shown to do nearly 200 miles a day, and, if he needs information on the subject, will he consult them?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIf they are doing anything like 200 miles a day, they must be making a very fair income.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYAnd earning it too!