HC Deb 05 June 1957 vol 571 cc1226-9
6. Miss Bacon

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he has now given further consideration to the problem of taxis at the Leeds stations, in accordance with his undertaking to the hon. Lady the Member for South-East Leeds; and if he will make a statement.

7. Mr. Royle

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he has now completed his promised consideration of the problem of the use of station ranks by taxi-drivers, following upon the discussions which took place on 19th February between certain hon. Members and the chairman of the British Transport Commission; what are his general conclusions; and what particular conclusions he has reached in regard to taxi-cabs at Exchange Station, Manchester.

8. Mrs. Braddock

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he has now completed his promised consideration of the problem of the use of station ranks by taxi-drivers, following upon the discussions which took place on 19th February between certain hon. Members and the chairman of the British Transport Commission; what are his general conclusions; and what particular conclusions he has reached in regard to taxi-cabs at two Liverpool stations.

9. Mr. Brockway

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he has now completed his promised consideration of the problem of the use of station ranks by taxi-drivers, following upon the discussions which took place on 19th February between certain hon. Members and the chairman of the British Transport Commission; what are his general conclusions; and what particular conclusions he has reached in regard to taxi-cabs at Slough station.

10. Mr. Brockway

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will now apply the recommendation of the Working Party on Hackney Carriages that privileged station ranks should be ended.

47. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Avation whether he will now make a statement on the use or station taxi ranks by taxi-drivers, in view of discussions with the chairman of the British Transport Commission; and, in particular, how this will affect the situation in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Mr. Watkinson

Since this matter was last raised in the House the chairman of The British Transport Commission has carefully investigated the complaints made by hon. Members and I understand that he has written to them. I am now considering the question generally with the Commission.

Miss Bacon

Is the Minister aware that we consider the replies that we have had from the Chairman of the Commission to be very unsatisfactory, and that he does not deal with the main question at all? Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the whole position is very unsatisfactory, and that it is really ludicrous to have free station ranks in some cities and not in others—London free, Leeds paying—and for different rates to be paid; and that, having regard to the convenience of passengers, it would be better if some other arrangement could be adopted?

Mr. Watkinson

I was not, of course, aware until this moment that the hon. Lady was dissatisfied with the Commission's reply but, as I have said, I am considering the question generally with the Commission. I must, however, make one thing plain. My duty is to try to see that the general convenience of travellers is met, and I think that it must be faced that the tenancy system for cabs does play some part in seeing that there is a service of cabs available at any hour when a station is open.

Mr. Royle

Does not the Minister think that there is a ridiculous anomaly in Manchester, where three main stations are completely open, but Exchange Station is closed in this way? Is he aware that passengers at Exchange, particularly in the holiday period, have to carry their bags about 400 yards down the station approach before being able to get a taxicab? Cannot he take some action himself to let the Chairman of the Commission know how strongly we feel on this matter?

Mr. Blenkinsop

Before the right hon. Gentleman replies, may I ask whether he would also consider the position in Newcastle where, again, there is no reason at all why a free rank should not be made available? If he is interested in the convenience of passengers, does he not realise that the first object should be to try to ensure that all the taxi-cabs are able to use the station portico in Newcastle?

Mr. Watkinson

Yes, but I am not making any final pronouncement on this subject, Mr. Speaker, because, as I have said, I am considering the broad question of policy with the Commission. But it is equally fair to say that it is the Commission's view—as, I think, expressed to hon. Members—that if we do away with the tenancy system entirely we will find that in the difficult hours—perhaps during the night or when there are other local activities—there will not be any taxis at all.

Mrs. Braddock

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I also am very dissatisfied with the reply received from the British Transport Commission? When the right hon. Gentleman is looking at this matter, will he take into account the fact that of over 300 cabs licensed in Liverpool only 87 are permitted to use the three stations in that city; that cabs can collect their passengers and take them into the stations hut, unless licensed by the Transport Commission in Liverpool, are refused permission to pick up passengers from trains and take them from the stations? Would he not consider that, as the railways are now a public enterprise, the licensed taxi-cabs throughout the country should be permitted freely to use the stations in order to pick up and put down passengers?

Mr. Watkinson

I have said that I am looking into the general policy question with the Commission.

Mr. Brockway

Whilst appreciating that the right hon. Gentleman has said that his mind is open on the matter, may I ask whether, when considering it, he will look at the Report of the Home Office Working Party on Hackney Carriages, which has unanimously recommended that where there is a nearby rank, the station rank shall be fed from it, irrespective of any privilege such as there is at the present time? And would he be ready to receive a deputation representative of a considerable number of hon. Members who are now stirred about the question?

Mr. Watkinson

I am, I think, well aware of the views of hon. Members, particularly after this afternoon. I think had first better have a look at this matter with the Commission.