§ 16. Mr. Partridgeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Commissioner of Police has now under consideration for use as a London taxicab a new vehicle of a lighter type, submitted for approval from within the London cab trade; and when his decision may be expected.
§ Mr. VosperThe Commissioner has received two tentative proposals, but these will have to be amplified and discussed with the applicants and I cannot predict when decisions may be given.
§ Mr. PartridgeWhy should it take so long to arrive at a decision on this matter? Is my right hon. Friend aware that the motor cab proprietors wish to put into operation a much lighter and handier cab which is cheaper to run? At the same time, they are having to face competition from what are in fact public service vehicles although they are not registered. There is an element of unfairness here. Can my right hon. Friend persuade the Commissioner to arrive at a decision fairly soon in the interests of the general public?
§ Mr. VosperOne of these proposals was received very recently. The other was received not many weeks ago. In respect of the earlier proposal further information has been sought from the applicant, and this is now being considered.