§ 73. Rear-Admiral SUETERasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that, although repeated complaints have been made during the past two years that many taximeter-cab fare meters with black dials as well as white dials are illegible to passengers owing to the apertures for the fare figures and the figures themselves being too small, the Metropolitan licensing authorities have not yet arranged for the use of meters with more suitable types of dials; and will he instruct the licensing authorities that no illegible dials should be used at all?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Gilmour)In previous answers it has been explained why it is not possible to require the replacement of the old tye of instrument by newer types. The Commissioner of Police informs me that, in his view, it is not so much a question of the size of the figures or of the apertures on the meters as of their proper illumination. The police continue to give special attention to the question of illumination. During the year ended 31st October last, 35 cases of failure to observe the requirements in this respect were reported for proceedings. In 245 other cases, as a result of inspection, notice was given that the cabs were not to ply for hire until the police were satisfied that proper means of illumination had been provided.