Mr. PERCY HARRISasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the examination in knowledge of London of applicants for licences to drive taxi-cabs is wholly oral; and, if so, whether, in view of the difficulty experienced by many candidates in passing a viva-voce examination, he could see his way to substitute a written examination combined with practical tests in the streets?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. This examination has been purposely made oral as many of the candidates would be unable to do themselves justice if set a written paper. I am advised that the substitution of a written examination would be less satisfactory as a test and very unpopular with the candidates.