Taxicabs (Station Ranks) (Hansard, 6 February 1957)

§ 24. Mr. Blenkinsop
asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will give a general direction to the British Transport Commission instructing them not to use their powers under the Railways Act, 1840, to prosecute taxi drivers plying for hire in station ranks, in view of the recommendations of the Departmental Working Party on Hackney Carriages.

§ Mr. Watkinson
No, Sir. This is not an appropriate matter for a general direction.

§ Mr. Blenkinsop
Does the Minister not realise that there have been prosecutions in Newcastle which amount to little more than special protection for a particular type of monopoly? In view of the expressed views of the Government, whether real or not, is it not high time that something was done about that, especially in view of the report of the Departmental Working Party?

§ Mr. Watkinson
If the hon. Member has a problem in Newcastle, I shall be only too pleased to look at it, but this is not a matter on which I am giving a general direction.

§ Mr. Ernest Davies
This is not only a matter concerning Newcastle but many other cities where there are restrictions on taxicabs plying for hire in station approaches. Is this not a matter which the Minister ought to look into more carefully, as it has been raised in this House before?

§ Mr. Watkinson
I have looked into it very carefully, and I am advised that there have been very few prosecutions.

§ Miss Bacon
Is it not high time that the whole practice of British Railways taking fees from a few taxis at stations was abolished? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in many cities, including Leeds, passengers are kept waiting for taxis in the station approach when there are taxis outside which are not allowed to enter the precincts of the station? Will he see that the whole thing is done away with?

§ Mr. Watkinson
Certainly it would not be proper for me to give an assurance that the whole thing will be done away with. If the House wishes me to do so, I will certainly have another look at the matter. The view of the Commission, of which I must take notice, is that primarily this is done for the convenience of passengers.