HC Deb 11 October 1945 vol 414 c384
19. Mr. Keeling

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has any plan to make it easier by day and by night to tell whether a taxi-cab is free or engaged.

Mr. Ede

I assume that the Question refers to the Metropolitan Police District. At the suggestion of the Commissioner of Police, a larger and improved canopy sign for taxi-cabs is now being prepared. This will show the words, "For Hire," and the intention is to make it clearly visible by day as well as by night. If the new sign is found suitable, it is proposed to make it a compulsory fitment to all new cabs; and the question whether any similar action can be taken as regards existing cabs will not be overlooked.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

As taxi-cabs are already always engaged, why go to this expenditure?

Mr. Ede

I have had a bit of luck on rare occasions.