HC Deb 24 April 1947 vol 436 cc130-1W
84. Mr. Wilkes

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of male and female administrative staff still retained on administration in No. 1 Region N.F.S. as compared with the number of those for fire-fighting duties; and how these figures compare with those at 1st April, 1946.

Mr. Ede

The figures are as follow:

cabs and will ultimately be made compulsory on all cabs and should materially reduce the present difficulties. The Commissioner of Police is considering whether, in the meantime, it is practicable in any other way to meet the point which the hon. Member has raised.

Mr. Medlicott

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that the existing type of taxicab meter is very difficult for intending passengers to see either from the front, the rear or the off side of the vehicle; and if he will take steps to ensure the adoption, as early as is practicable, of an improved type of meter which both as to design and position, will show more readily whether the taxicab is free or engaged.

Mr. Ede

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. As regards the remainder I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave today to a Question by the hon. Member for Ashford (Mr. E. P. Smith).