HC Deb 30 July 1942 vol 382 cc682-3
39. Major Stourton

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the practice established by certain London taximeter-cab drivers who ply for hire in the early hours of the morning between railway termini and select their own fares while illegally declining to accept those who attempt to engage their vehicles; that the object of the drivers is to fill their cabs with inexperienced other ranks of His Majesty's Forces, convey them to other London stations where each is illegally charged at an extortionate rate and then return with others who are similarly overcharged; and whether he will take immediate steps to put an end to this practice?

Mr. H. Morrison

I fully agree with my hon. and gallant Friend that active measures must be taken to put a stop to such abuses as those to which he has called attention. I understand that a number of cases where cabmen have refused to be hired or have charged more than the proper fare have recently been detected and dealt with by the police; and I will consult with the Commissioner of Police and with those who are responsible for the railway police as to what more can be done.

Major Stourton

Can the Home Secretary state how many police prosecutions there have been?

Mr. Morrison

Not without notice.