HC Deb 20 April 1943 vol 388 cc1508-9
3. Mr. Parker

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that nearly 200 taximeter-cabs helped to take the crowd to Windsor for the opening of the flat racing season, and what steps he proposes to take to prevent such waste of petrol?

4. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many motor-cars and taximeter-cabs were at the last Windsor races?

5. Major Lyons

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the number of private motor cars, taximeter cabs, "drive yourself" and other hired motor vehicles, respectively, present in connection with the races at Windsor on 10th April?

Major Lloyd George

With the permission of my hon. Friends I will answer these questions together, in the light of information from the Windsor police authorities. The total number of taxi-cabs recorded as bringing visitors to the course on this occasion was 59. Of these 14 were licensed for the Borough of Windsor, and could legitimately make repeated trips between the railway station and the course. This may have given an exaggerated impression of the total number. Of the 45 taxicabs licensed in other areas, all appear to have been within their "Permitted Areas" as defined in the Control of Motor Fuel Order, 1942, that is, they could legitimately bring visitors from their own area to the course, and take them back. The number of private cars and private hire-cars were not separately recorded: the total was 138. In a few cases the inquiries are not yet complete; in the remainder it is clear that the private hire-cars were operating in accordance with the terms of the Order, and that the private cars were those of owners, jockeys or other persons attending the course for business purposes for which an allowance had been duly authorised.

Major Lyons

In view of the Order to which the Minister has referred, although petrol is authorised for business purposes, was not other transport available which they could have used, and will the Minster take steps to put an end to this sort of thing, which is very much objected to by a number of persons who consider it should not exist in war-time?

Major Lloyd George

It is not for me to decide what should or should not exist in war-time; it is for this House. As long as this is allowed to continue, it is perfectly legitimate to use a taxicab to go there.

Sir W. Smithers

Is the Minister aware that only yesterday a man was prosecuted and fined for using a small car——

Mr. Speaker

That has nothing to do with this Question.