§ 44. Sir W. Anstruther-Grayasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has now considered the 1422 report of the accountant investigating operating costs of London taxi-cabs; and whether he is in a position to announce a reduction in the present 6d. surcharge as a result of the fall in fuel prices.
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department and Lord Privy Seal (Mr. R. A. Butler)I authorised the surcharge last September, as an interim measure, to cover a number of items of increased costs of operation which have occurred since the present scale of fares was fixed in 1951. The recent falls in the prices of fuel offset only a very small part of these increases. The accountant's interim report shows that a little more time is needed before the full effect of the increased costs can be judged. I have, therefore, decided to postpone a full revision of the scale of fares, and that the surcharge should be retained meanwhile.
§ Sir W. Anstruther-GrayWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him to take note that not only has the price of fuel fallen, but also that of tyres, and that it is very desirable to get this surcharge reduced as soon as possible?
§ Mr. ButlerNaturally, everyone would wish to see a surcharge reduced, if it could be done. All I am asking my hon. and gallant Friend is to await a little further experience, so that I get the full view of what the position actually is. I will, in the meantime, undertake to take into account what he has said.