§ 41 and 42. Captain Sir WILLIAM BRASSasked the Home Secretary (1) the number of taximeter-cabs, licensed by the Metropolitan Police to ply for hire in London, of over 20 years old;
(2) the number of taximeter-cabs licensed by the Metropolitan police to ply for hire in London over 10 years and under 20 years old?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am informed by the Commissioner of Police that out of 8,044 motor cabs licensed by the Metropolitan Police, 211 are over 20 years old and 1,794 are between 10 and 20 years old.
§ Sir W. BRASSIs my right hon. Friend aware that these old vehicles are sold at a cheap price and relicensed, and then create congestion in the streets of London7
§ Sir J. GILMOURThat may be the case to some extent, but no doubt extensive repairs are carried out in order that the cabs may get the licence.
§ Sir W. BRASSDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that it is about time to get rid of the ten and twenty-year-old vehicles?
§ Mr. HOLFORD KNIGHTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very hard times that many of these poor taximen have gone through in the last 10 years, so that they have been unable to renew their cabs?
§ 49. Rear-Admiral SUETERasked the Home Secretary if he will direct the Metropolitan licensing authorities to arrange that in future all new taximeter-cabs to ply for hire within the Metropolitan district shall be fitted with some form of illumination so that the hiring flags may be easily distinguished after dark by would-be hirers?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe Commissioner of Police informs me that the regulations in regard to taximeters on cabs are now being revised and that he intends to include a requirement to ensure that the flags on all new taximeters shall be adequately illuminated.