§ 34. Mrs. Beatrice Wrightasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether greater publicity will be given to the necessity of sharing taxi-cabs, particularly at railway stations?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI am considering, with the railway companies, whether anything can be done at railway stations, by the display of notices or otherwise, to encourage the sharing of taxicabs.
§ Mrs. WrightWhile appreciating my hon. Friend's reply, might I ask whether he is aware that more has to be done to publicise this matter? The co-operation of the public should be sought, and the taxi companies should be made to realise the necessity.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerWe are going to take all the measures in our power to achieve that.
§ Miss RathboneShould not the delicate question as to who pays the double fare be made clear, as well as the question of how far the taxi proprietors are to profit?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI believe that the Home Office have that under consideration.
§ Commander King-HallIs it not essential that, as in the United States, a proper schedule of fares should be made compulsory?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThat is under consideration.
§ Mr. Evelyn WalkdenWould my hon. Friend take into consideration the practice of the police at London railway stations of stopping Service men from sharing taxis? The taxi men are very concerned about it.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI have never heard of that being done by the police. Service men are in the habit of sharing taxis, and I have been in consultation with the Home Secretary on that very point.