§ 5. Dr. David Kerrasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the effects which the increased petrol duty will have on the remuneration of taxi drivers, if he will take early appropriate steps to restore their earning power.
§ Mr. George ThomasThe increased duty should make only a small addition to operating costs, which will in most cases fall on taxicab proprietors rather 715 than the drivers. No initiative on my right hon. and learned Friend's part appears to be called for. My right hon. and learned Friend is aware that the trade consider that the increased costs of cab operation since fares were last adjusted justify reconsideration of the present tariff, and they have been told that any application for an increase must, in accordance with the usual practice, be accompanied by audited accounts.
§ Dr. KerrI thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Would not he agree that the improvement in the service to London Transport rendered by taxi drivers and taxi-cab operators justifies any means of keeping the trade prosperous? However much the increased petrol duty affects the taxi-cab trade, would not he agree that in so far as we have promised access to reduce petrol duty for other transport undertakings the same exemption may be made available to taxi drivers in the London area?
§ Mr. ThomasNo, Sir. The additional fuel duty is 6d. per gallon. On a calculation of 20 miles to the gallon the extra cost per mile would be little more than ¼d., and the average for a hiring a little more than ld. The proprietors say that they would need an extra 2d. a hiring to cover the extra cost. They are looking into the matter to supply us with the necessary information.
§ Mr. HoosonIs the hon. Gentleman aware of the urgent need to increase the number of taxis available, especially as the Liberal Party now needs many more in London than it used to need?