§ Mr. Collickasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware of the inconvenience caused to travellers in London, particularly when arriving at terminal stations, by the refusal of a large number of taxi-cab drivers to carry passengers any distance beyond a five-mile limit, unless double fares or other extortionate payments are made; and if, to avoid such difficulties, he will arrange to extend the distance in which an authorised scale of charges applies.
§ Mr. EdeI assume that the Question refers to the six-mile limit laid down in the London Cab Order, 1934, as the maximum distance for which a taxi-cab driver is compelled to accept a hiring in the Metropolitan Police District. The charge for any further distance is for arrangement between driver and passenger. The Commissioner of Police informs me that some drivers do demand double fares for journeys exceeding six miles and that he has received complaints from the public on the subject. The question is one which will be examined by the Working Party which I have set up to examine the law relating to hackney carriages and to make recommendations to me in the matter.