HC Deb 19 November 1964 vol 702 cc610-1
26. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what reply he has made to the request for increases in London taxi fares.

Mr. George Thomas

My right hon. and learned Friend has received no such request. One of the associations concerned has, however, asked for a meeting to discuss the situation arising from the increase in fuel oil tax.

Mr. Wall

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that he is likely to receive such a request in the near future, and may I ask him to consider it sympathetically? Is not this further evidence of the inflationary effect of the recent Budget?

Mr. Thomas

The House will be aware that the present fare scales came into operation last February. It represented an increase of about 25 per cent. on the previous scale, which had remained unchanged for six years. The Motor Cab Owner-Drivers' Association has said that the trade should absorb the extra cost, which it estimates will amount to no more than 1d. per hiring. The usual calculation is 15½ m.p.g. and an average of 3 miles per journey. My noble Friend the Joint Parliamentary Secretary has received a letter from one of the organisations, the London Motor Cab Proprietors' Association, seeking a deputation to discuss the matter and they will be received.