§ 31. Major Sir Jocelyn Lucasasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether London taxi-cab drivers are authorised or instructed to refuse fares to Newmarket and other race-meetings in view of the fact that their petrol ration is not provided for this purpose, and of the dissatisfaction caused in country districts by seeing London taxi-cab drivers going to such meetings?
§ The Minister of Fuel and Power (Major Lloyd George)London taxi-drivers are not under any obligation to take fares to any point outside the Metropolitan Police area, but there is at present no regulation under which taxi-drivers in London or elsewhere can be instructed to refuse fares to any particular destination. I am concerting with the other Departments concerned an Order designed to regulate the use of taxi-cabs throughout the country.
§ Sir J. LucasIs not the Minister aware that this is becoming a public scandal? Is not the petrol given to taxi-drivers to be used in the Metropolitan area and for the convenience of the inhabitants? Every time a taxi goes 120 miles it means that there are 60 journeys less for the inhabitants of London.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI agree, and that is why an Order is in draft to regulate that very thing.