Taxicabs (Hansard, 18 March 1948)

§ 5. Mr. Shepherd
asked the Minister of Fuel and Power on what basis he determines that the number of taxicabs operating in a given area is adequate to the public need.

§ Mr. Gaitskell
Taxicabs are licensed by the local authority and not by the Ministry of Fuel and Power.

§ Mr. Shepherd
Is it a fact that the allocation of petrol determines whether or not a private hire car shall operate? Will the right hon. Gentleman say on what basis he calculates that the public need does not make it necessary to have an extra hire car?

§ Mr. Gaitskell
The Question relates to taxis and not private hire cars.

§ Mr. Harrison
Will the Minister take into consideration the factor that the extent to which the 20 miles limit is evaded does affect this service?

§ Mr. Gaitskell
That is an entirely different question.

§ Squadron-Leader Fleming
Does the Minister's answer mean that if a local authority increases the number of licensed taxis in its area, the Ministry will see that the petrol allocation is made?

§ Mr. Gaitskell
Generally speaking, when a local authority issues a licence to a taxicab, the petrol is granted.