§ 48. Sir C. CAYZERasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will arrange for the Commissioner of Police to reconsider the standard of fitness laid down before the annual re-licensing of taximeter cabs in the Metropolitan area in view of the unsatisfactory condition of many cabs at present?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir Herbert Samuel)The conditions of fitness of taximeter cabs were revised in 1928, as a result of an inquiry by a Departmental Committee in 1927. On the information before me, there appears to be no sufficient reason to reconsider the existing conditions.
§ Sir C. CAYZERIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that many London taxi-cabs are in a dilapidated condition, and cannot he take steps to secure a higher standard of efficiency?
§ Mr. HOLFORD KNIGHTIs the right hon. Gentleman also aware of the very great hardships that many of these poor men have been going through in these hard times?
§ Sir H. SAMUELCabs are subject to inspection at any time, if defects are brought to notice, and, if the hon. Member will give me the number of any offending cab I will have inquiries made concerning it.
Major THOMASDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think it would be wise to have a classification of taxicabs in London such as they have in Paris?
§ Sir H. SAMUELThat suggestion might be communicated to the Commissioner. I may mention that cabs are reviewed very year.