HC Deb 06 August 1942 vol 382 cc1192-3
68. Major Stourton

asked the Home Secretary whether he will make a statement on his consultations with the Com- missioner of Police and the railway police concerning cases of refusal by London taxi-cab drivers to be hired and charging more than the legal fares and, in particular, their practice of overcharging members of His Majesty's Forces moving between London railway termini at night and early morning; whether he will quote the number of cases detected and already dealt with by the police and number of cases pending trial?

Mr. H. Morrison

During the first seven months of this year a total of 142 cases of cabmen refusing to be hired or demanding more than the proper fare have been reported by the Metropolitan and City Police. Proceedings were taken in 92 of these cases, including eight which are still awaiting disposal. In 17 other cases the driver was cautioned. I am not at present in a position to add anything to the statement which I made in answer to my hon. and gallant Friend's previous Question on 30th July, but he may rest assured that the Commissioner of Police will take every step in his power to put a stop to this malpractice.