HC Deb 07 February 1963 vol 671 cc655-6
24. Mr. Speir

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has for improving London's taxi service.

Mr. Woodhouse

I am glad to say that there has been a steady increase in recent years in the numbers of both licensed cabs and drivers. Prospective drivers are coming forward in increasing numbers and the procedure for testing them has been simplified and accelerated. My right hon. Friend has invited repre- sentatives of the trade to consider certain suggestions for further improving the service.

Mr. Speir

But does not that Answer mean that the London public have to go on enduring a totally inadequate taxi service for years to come? Is it not absurd that, although there is a much greater demand today for taxis, the position is that there are still 1,500 fewer than there were before the war, and is not this due largely to the fact that the rules and regulations were laid down in the days of the hansom cab and are completely inadequate to deal with modern conditions?

Mr. Woodhouse

I do not think that that is entirely true. The question of meeting the public demand is, of course, a question for the trade itself. The responsibility of the Home Office is concerned with fares, with the construction of cabs, and with the character and competence of the drivers. We have no wish to place any limit on the number of either cabs or drivers other than insuring that those controls are met.

Mr. Speir

As I am not satisfied with that answer, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment as soon as possible.