HC Deb 22 July 1971 vol 821 c1668
28. Mr. Mikardo

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why there is a taxi rank in Hall Road, London N.W.8.

Mr. Sharples

This is a matter for the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis. I understand that there has been a rank in Hall Road for over 70 years and that no objection has been raised to it since it was last appointed in 1957.

Mr. Mikardo

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the telephone was taken away from this rank more than four years ago, that the last time any taxi cab plied for hire on the rank was in 1968 and that, notwithstanding these facts, the frontage of a large area has been sterilised and a lot of money has recently been spent on renewing the pavement markings? Will he ask his friend the Commissioner to stop wasting public money in this way?

Mr. Sharples

Certainly, Sir, I will look to see whether the situation has changed in the last 70 years and whether the markings are still necessary.