HC Deb 01 March 1951 vol 484 cc2286-7
41. Mr. Deedes

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has yet received the report of the working party on London taxicabs; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ede

I have received an interim report dealing with the limitation of the number of cabs and drivers in London, and I understand that a further report covering the whole field of hackney carriage law is well advanced and that it is hoped to let me have it shortly.

Mr. Deedes

Will the Committee report on the subject of taximeters, because it is eight months since taxi fares went up and most drivers are finding that the present system leads to very bad business?

Mr. Ede

I had hoped by now to be able to give instructions that taximeters should be altered; but I received certain representations from the owners to which I have had to give some consideration.

Mr. Gibson

When my right hon. Friend uses the word "shortly," does he mean Within, say, the next 12 to 14 days?

Mr. Ede

No, I do not think that it will be quite as soon as that.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Does my right hon. Friend propose to publish the interim report without waiting for the final report?

Mr. Ede

No, Sir. I have not undertaken to publish either report.