HC Deb 21 June 1951 vol 489 cc680-1
4. Mr. J. Langford-Holt

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received arising from the recent increase in London taxi fares.

Mr. Ede

I have received only one letter of protest.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the charge which he has authorised is fixed, and whether it is the maximum or minimum charge; and will the right hon. Gentleman—

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member's original Question asked whether the Home Secretary had received representations and not for details of taxicab charges.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the present rate is of financial advantage to drivers and owners of London taxicabs?

Mr. Ede

I can only give the statistics for which the hon. Gentleman asked. But I have discovered that the present London rate is below the rate charged in several provincial cities.

Mr. William Teeling

Is the Home Secretary aware that in at any rate one town, Brighton, the rate is very much lower? It is far, far cheaper. Can the right hon. Gentleman also state, as he has only received one letter, whether he would make it public that he is quite willing to receive a deputation; because many of us receive masses of complaints from the ordinary drivers?

Mr. Ede

It is well known that I can be approached.

Commander Noble

Was the letter of protest from a taxi driver or from a passenger?

Mr. Ede

I think it was from a passenger.