§ 2. Mr. Doddsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that the average passenger is unable to read the unusually small print on the slips provided for display on taximeters in respect to the 3d. increase; and if he will arrange for more suitable notices, for which there is the space available, and so avoid undue irritation to taxi-drivers and passengers.
§ Mr. EdeI agree that this simple notice is on the small side, owing to the restricted space available either on the taximeter or the fare table, but I have heard of no practical difficulty resulting.
§ Mr. DoddsIs my right hon. Friend aware that on this tiny slip of paper more than half the area is occupied by the two words "Police Notice," and that the message to the public is on less than half of the slip? If my right hon. Friend cannot accept my simple practical suggestion, would he supply a microscope to each taxicab?
§ Mr. EdeNo, Sir. I think that is not necessary, and I understand that even the drivers agree that the tip does not need to be examined in that way.
§ Lieut.-Commander Gurney BraithwaiteAre not taxi-drivers keeping the public informed, in the meantime, in unmistakable language, of their views on the increase in the petrol tax?
§ Professor SavoryIs it not possible to put the three pence down as an extra in the space where luggage carried outside is shown?
§ Mr. EdeNo, Sir, because the extras do not count in the money which has to be handed over by the driver to the proprietor of the cab. The arrangement 1871 is that two-thirds of the money which appears on the top set of figures will be received by the owner. All the extras go to the driver and the hon. Gentleman's suggestion would, therefore, not be fair.