§ 14. Rear-Admiral SUETERasked the Home Secretary whether he will direct the metropolitan cab-licensing authorities to revise the conditions of fitness laid down for granting renewal licences of taximeter-cabs so that taximeter cabs may not ply for hire which are below the safety point in steering efficiency, engine power, and control; and is he aware that the reconditioning requirements are now such as to retain on the streets taximeter-cabs which are uncomfortable and out of accord with the need of the public?
§ Mr. HACKINGTaximeter-cabs are not licensed if they are below the safety point, and my right hon. Friend is assured that no revision of the conditions of fitness of such cabs in that respect is required. As regards the second part of the question, it would be unfair to the owners to reject the older cabs merely because they may not attain the degree of comfort to be found in new models. It should be remembered that a cab is often the sole means of livelihood of an owner-driver.
§ Mr. HOLFORD KNIGHTIs my right hon. Friend aware that this state of affairs is often due to hard economic conditions?
§ Mr. HACKINGYes, Sir, but the conditions as to fitness must be complied with.