HC Deb 13 February 1957 vol 564 c1259
42. Miss Bacon

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if, in the course of his inquiries into the use of station ranks by taxi-drivers, he will give consideration to the special problems of Leeds, particulars of which have been sent to him by the hon. Member for Leeds, South-East.

Mr. Watkinson

I am obliged to the hon. Lady for the particulars which she has given me. I understand that she has already arranged to see the Chairman of the British Transport Commission on this subject with other hon. Members and will no doubt represent to him any special problems in Leeds. After that discussion has taken place, I will consider the general question further.

Miss Bacon

Would not the Minister agree that the position at Leeds is particularly deplorable in that British Railways take £900 from the Leeds Taxi Proprietors Association in order that its members, and its members only, may ply for hire; and that to be a member of the Leeds Taxi Proprietors Association costs a £10 entrance fee, £22 10s. per year per cab with one driver and £32 10s. a year if the cab has two drivers? Is not this a case of British Railways taking money so that passengers can be inconvenienced?

Mr. Watkinson

As I have said, as soon as the hon. Lady and other hon. Members have seen the Chairman of the Commission, I shall be only too pleased to look at the matter again.