§ 2.37 p.m.
§ [The question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government, what will be the price, including Purchase Tax, of the type of taxi-cab recently approved for use in the Metropolitan area; and whether, in fixing that price, consideration was given to the economic position of the owner-drivers of taxi-cabs?]
§ LORD WALKDENMy Lords, the only make of, taxi-cab of the type recently 3 approved for the Metropolitan area which is so far available is the "Oxford," which costs £997 8s. 4d., of which £217 8s. 4d. is Purchase Tax. The price of taxi-cabs, as of all other motor vehicles, is fixed by the manufacturers. It is understood that hire purchase terms will be available to meet the needs of owner-drivers.
§ THE EARL OF IDDESLEIGHHave His Majesty's Government taken into consideration the greatly increased costs of maintenance and insurance, and the fact that fares are still stabilized at pre-war level?
§ LORD WALKDENThe matter of adjusting other costs is rather another question. I have answered the noble Lord's question in respect to the price of the taxicab. Other factors may be considered in due course.