HC Deb 18 November 1948 vol 458 cc553-4
35. Mr. Niall Macpherson

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whenever an application for petrol for an additional hire car or taxi is received by officers of his Department, what authorities are consulted as to the need for further hire cars or taxis in the area before a decision to grant or withhold petrol is made.

The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Gaitskell)

In the case of hire cars, the regional petroleum officer decides whether to grant a petrol allowance after obtaining information, normally from the police, regarding the need for further hire car facilities in the district concerned. An allowance is granted irrespective of need in certain cases where the Ministry of Labour certify that occupation as owner-driver of a hire car would be the best means of permanent rehabilitation of the disabled person.

As regards taxi cabs, which are licenced and controlled by local authorities the regional petroleum officer grants an allowance where the local authorities concerned certify that an addition to the number of vehicles licensed to ply for hire is required to meet essential transport needs.

Mr. Macpherson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that licences for petrol for additional hire cars are being refused after they have been granted by the local magistrates in the magistrate's court, at which the Chief Constable was present; and can he remove this sort of muddle in future either by agreeing in advance to the number of hire cars required for the district or in some other way?

Mr. Gaitskell

I am aware of the case mentioned. There was a misunderstanding whether this was a taxicab or hire car, but it has now been cleared up.

Mr. David Renton

Can the Minister say if it is still a fact, as he said a year ago, that the police play an important part in deciding whether petrol should be allowed to these private hire cars and will he explain what part the police play?

Mr. Gaitskell

The answer to that is perfectly clear from my original answer. Regional petroleum officers seek information from the police about the need for hire cars in precisely the same way as they have been doing for several years.