§ 21. Mr. Stanbrookasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the amount of public funds invested in the development of the proposed new London taxicab.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (Mr. John Butcher)My Department, with the Department of Transport and the Greater London council, has offered support to Carbodies Ltd. for the development of a new taxi. Details of this assistance, in accordance with usual procedures, must remain confidential.
§ Mr. StanbrookIs my hon. Friend aware that this contraption is inferior in design and purpose compared with the present well-loved vehicle? Is he aware also that the prospective cost of the vehicle will be prohibitive, that it will not be bought by London taxicab drivers and that the public will not want it? Is taxpayers' money being wisely spent on this project?
§ Mr. ButcherOne of the reasons for spending taxpayers' money is to tailor the car rather more effectively for the use of the disabled. We are anxious, as the company will be, to ensure that the present design, which is now 25 years old and held in great affection, should in due course be replaced. I fully understand my hon. Friend's affection for the current model.
§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursWhat potential export evaluation has taken place of the excellent new taxi, which is based on the Range Rover? Is the Minister aware that throughout the world the new taxi will be recognised as a Range Rover and that it should enjoy maximum Government support, as it will create many jobs in the United Kingdom if it is fully exploited?
§ Mr. ButcherOne of the reasons why the company has taken the decision to tailor the car more adequately for use by the disabled is that it will give it access to international 339 markets. It has been a problem that the FX4 taxi has been confined to the home market. The company is hoping to internationalise the new taxi.