HC Deb 30 October 1957 vol 575 cc195-7
13. Mr. Brockway

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what decision has been reached as a result of his discussions with the Chairman of the British Transport Commission regarding the abolition of privileged taxi ranks at railway stations.

Mr. Watkinson

The Chairman of the British Transport Commission has given me his report, and to complete the picture I am now obtaining the views of the representatives of users by referring the matter to the Central Transport Consultative Committee and to the Scottish and Welsh Transport Users Consultative Committees.

Mr. Brockway

While welcoming that considerable development and while expressing appreciation of it, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that the working committee of the Home Office has recommended that railway station ranks should be served in rota by nearby taxi ranks, and has urged it in the interest of the public? Is the right hon. Gentleman further aware that taxi drivers are becoming impatient, and that unless an early decision is reached he may have difficulties all over the country?

Mr. Watkinson

I quite agree with the hon. Gentleman that it is the convenience of the public that ought to be studied in this matter. It is only fair to the Commission to say that its view is that the convenience of the public is best studied by a continuance of the present arrangement. That is why I thought it only fair to take it further to the consultative committee.

Miss Bacon

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this matter is becoming urgent, and that only a few weeks ago a taxi driver in Leeds was summoned because he picked up a fare after he had set another one down? Arising out of discussions which took place at that time, it was discovered that the whole of one of the stations in Leeds was let not to an association but to one man who can exclude anybody he wishes?

17. Mr. W. Griffiths

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he is aware that licensed taxi-cabs in Manchester are allowed free access to the station approach at three main line stations, but not at the Exchange Station; and whether he will take action to end this anomalous situation in the course of his discussions with the Chairman of the British Transport Commission.

Mr. Watkinson

The conditions at Manchester Exchange Station are exceptional because of the local licensing difficulties. I understand that the general manager of the London Midland Region of British Railways is looking into the matter with the interests concerned.

Mr. Griffiths

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that late at night and in the early hours of the morning passengers arriving at Manchester Exchange Station who do not find a taxi-cab on the rank very often have to walk down the long approach to pick up a cab cruising at the bottom of the approach? That does not apply to the other three main line stations in Manchester. Is not this a ridiculous anomaly?

Mr. Watkinson

It is because of the boundary between Manchester and Salford, and it is that point which the general manager hopes to overcome and, perhaps, to arrange some common practice.

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