HC Deb 24 April 1947 vol 436 cc129-30W
85. Mr. E. P. Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that there is no obligation upon a taxicab driver to cover his meter flag when he is not seeking fares provided that he does not stop to parley -or bargain with potential hirers; and whether, in view of the unnecessary inconvenience and irritation caused to members of the public who are ignorant of this fact, he will take steps to ensure that all taxicab drivers shall, in future, when not seeking fares, obliterate their meter flags.

Mr. Ede

The answer to the first part of the Question is, "Yes, Sir." The answer to the second part is that a new "For Hire" sign has been introduced which will be illuminated and visible both by day and night when the cab is for hire. This sign is now a compulsory fitting for new

Mr. Dalton

The explanation is that I am bound, in this matter, by the 1938 Anglo-American Trade Agreement.