§ 17. Mr. Ovendenasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she will refer to the Director General of Fair Trading the failure of minicab operators to display price lists for journeys.
§ Mr. John FraserWhile I have received no recent indications of public concern about this practice, I should, of course, be willing to look into it further on receiving any representations from consumers.
§ Mr. OvendenCan my hon. Friend tell me whether he is satisfied with a situation in which users of mini-cab services have no guidance as to the fares they are likely to be charged? Is he aware that this is the only commercial activity in which consumers have no protection from profiteering? Is he further aware that the only people who would resent the display of price lists in minicabs are those operators who at the moment seek to abuse the system and overcharge their customers?
§ Mr. FraserI agree with my hon. Friend. The practice of not displaying information or price lists is unsatisfactory. Unfortunately, under the prices legislation the power to require a display of prices covers only goods and not services. I would be happy to receive any representations on this matter from my hon. Friend or members of the public.
§ Mr. SainsburyIs the hon. Gentleman aware that some hire cars use meters, thus further increasing the public confussion between what is a licensed taxi and what is a hire car? Will he bring the attention of his Department again to the recommendations of the Stamp Report, which came out a long time ago?
§ Mr. FraserIf I recollect correctly, the Maxwell Stamp Report was made to the Home Office and not to my Department. The question of the definition of a taxi cab, a mini-cab and a hire car is not primarily for me.