§ Mr. A. SOMERVILLEasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a considerable number of the meters used on London taximeter-cabs are still very difficult to read and that many meters are insufficiently illuminated; and will he arrange that the police authorities shall refuse to license taximeter-cabs upon which the fare lettering on meters is not distinct or sufficiently lighted?
§ Mr. SHORTMy right hon. Friend would refer the hon. Member to his reply to a question by the hon. Member for Devizes (Mr. Hurd) on 13th November. He understands that all new taxicabs submitted for licence are fitted with meters which have large figures and are efficiently lighted. As my right hon. Friend explained, it is not possible to enlarge the figures on the old type of meter without reconstruction, at great expense, of the whole instrument, and some time must elapse before all cabs are fitted with the modern type of meter and illumination. The police are hastening the improvement as far as is reasonably possible.