§ 24. Mr. W. J. Brownasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that, at present rates of hiring and with the limitation of the petrol supply to three gallons a day per taxi-cab, taxi-cab drivers cannot earn, apart from tips, a reasonable wage; when their present rates of hiring were last revised; and whether he will make such a revision as will enable the taxi-cab drivers to receive a reasonable wage.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonSo far as London is concerned, my information does not support the suggestion that taxi-cab drivers are not receiving a reasonable return for their labour in present conditions, but if the hon. Member has any specific information to the contrary I shall of course be glad to consider it. The scale of fares in the Metropolitan Police District was last revised in 1933.
§ Mr. BrownIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that because of the low rates of pay, as distinct from tips, it is practically impossible for an Englishman to get a taxi nowadays? The remedy for that is to pay a living wage.
§ Mr. MorrisonOne of the great factors in the difficulty of getting a taxi is the high load which the business is now enjoying. That is an economic consideration of great importance. Moreover, there are far more extra passengers. I will consider any evidence, but my impression, which seems to be shared by the House, is that they are not doing too badly.
§ Colonel Sir A. Lambert WardIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I was in conversation with a taxi-driver only last Monday who told me that he could always earn at least £2 a day?
§ Sir Ernest SheppersonWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the difficulty that some Members of the House have in getting home after the Sittings of the House?
§ Mr. MorrisonYes, Sir.