39. Captain Rairdasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if, until more supplies of petrol are available, he will withdraw the allowances of fuel to owners of aeroplanes using their aircraft for taxi purposes, as this causes much ill feeling among taxi drivers whose mileage is severely restricted.
§ Mr. ShinwellWhen the ban on civil flying was lifted at the beginning of this year, the allowances of civil aviation fuel to be granted for private and charter flights were carefully considered in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Civil Aviation. In the case of companies or firms operating charter or taxi flights, the allowance of fuel is limited to the amount required to provide a maximum of 60 flying hours for each aircraft per month I see no reason that would justify me in revising the arrangements made so recently. As regards the position of charter taxi aeroplanes in relation to taxi cabs, I would also refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to him on 6th May.
§ Captain BairdWill the right hon. Gentleman consider this example of class distinction, that wealthy people, who can afford it, can travel by aeroplane any distance, but ordinary people who want to travel on pleasure by taxi cab are restricted to a very narrow limit? Does this not also penalize—[HON. MEMBERS: " Speech."]—the taxi drivers, who, very often, are ex-Service men? Will the Minister— [HON. MEMBERS: " Speech "; " Go on."] consider, as there is no restriction in the length of travel by aeroplane, withdrawing the restriction on taxi drivers?
§ Mr. ShinwellMy hon. and gallant Friend misunderstands the position. Those private aeroplanes are permitted a maximum of 60 hours' flying; so that there is a restriction imposed. As regards taxi cab drivers, while I should be very glad to relax the present regulations and provide more petrol, they have a very reasonable amount on the whole, and, so far as I know, have made no complaint. I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend I have no desire to impose any class distinction.