HL Deb 19 November 1968 vol 297 cc636-7

2.37 p.m.

LORD DERWENT

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government how soon they intend to bring into force the new fares and regulations for London taxi-cabs.]

LORD STONHAM

My Lords, the Government hope that the preparatory work can be completed so that the order bringing the new fare scale into effect can be made in time for the new fares to be introduced on December 16.

LORD DERWENT

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that most satisfactory Answer. Do Her Majesty's Government think that these new regulations will be sufficient to stop the scandalous overcharging at London Airport by some taxi drivers?

LORD STONHAM

My Lords, under the new regulations, if a taxi driver accepts a fare at London Airport and is coming to Central London, he will be obliged to charge a fare according to the meter reading. The average journey is some 16 miles, and the meter should provide a fare of 51s. There will be a statutory obligation to charge that fare, and no more.

LORD DERWENT

My Lords, I am much obliged to the noble Lord.

BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRY

My Lords, while agreeing with the noble Lord opposite with regard to the implication about fares from London Airport, and also accepting that an increase is necessary, may I ask whether my noble friend really thinks that it is reasonable to ask people to pay increased charges for time occupied when their taxi is stuck in a traffic jam? Is he aware that this is really not good enough?

LORD STONHAM

My Lords, the question of delays in traffic is only one element, and a comparatively minor one, in the increased charges. The increase of 11½ per cent. has been approved by the Prices and Incomes Board and is generally regarded as fair and appropriate.

LORD WAKEFIELD OF KENDAL

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that taxi drivers avoid places where they know that traffic jams are likely to occur, and that in the circumstances it is extremely difficult to get a taxi? How does he propose to overcome that difficulty?

LORD STONHAM

My Lords, of course I cannot forecast a sudden increase in the number of taxis. I agree with the noble Lord that normally taxi drivers are adept at missing traffic jams, if it is at all possible. The main answer to the noble Lord's question is improved traffic engineering.

BARONESS SUMMERSKILL

My Lords, is my noble friend also going to advise the House as to what is a fair and appropriate tip?

LORD STONHAM

No, my Lords; that is quite outside the province of Her Majesty's Government, and it must be left to the discretion of the passenger.