§ 65. Mr. LOGANasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the King's Bench Divisional Court has held that when two or more people hire a taximeter-cab and make an agreement to share the fare the taximeter-cab is being used as an express carriage and, not having a service licence as under the strict interpretation of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, they may be prosecuted for a criminal offence; and is he prepared to bring in legislation to remove this anomaly?
§ 66. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to a recent case in the Divisional Court in which the Lord Chief Justice pointed out that under the existing law it was a criminal offence for two or more persons to hire a taximeter-cab and agree together to share the fare; and whether the Government will take steps to see that a non-contentious Bill is introduced forthwith to secure the alteration of the law in this regard?
Captain HUDSONMy right hon. Friend is already in consultation with the chairmen of the Traffic Commissioners with a view to deciding if and in what manner it may be appropriate and practicable to amend the Act of 1930 in the light of the judgment delivered on 12th May.
§ Mr. LOGANIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that hundreds of thousands of football match supporters every Saturday will be liable to have criminal proceedings taken against them?
§ Sir W. DAVISONWill action be taken promptly in this matter? We are all criminals every week.