§ Sir GEORGE TOUCHEasked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the unfavourable treatment of licensed hackney carriage drivers using coal-gas cars as compared with taxi-cab drivers using petrol; is he aware that the limitation imposed on the purposes for which coal-gas cars can be used, which does not extend to taxi-cabs, renders it exceedingly difficult for drivers of hackney carriages to make a livelihood; and if he will, in view of present conditions, consider a modification of the restrictions complained of, both in the interests of the drivers and of the public convenience?
Sir A. STANLEYI have been asked by my right hon. Friend to answer this ques- 825W tion. A motor vehicle driven by means of gas is subject to the same limitations as to purposes of use as a motor vehicle driven by means of petrol. A motor cab, whether using gas or petrol, which is licensed to ply for hire may be driven for any purpose, but its radius of operation is restricted within the limits of the licensing area and to any place 3 miles from the boundary thereof. A hackney carriage not licensed to ply for hire is not restricted as regards radius of operation, but its use is restricted to certain purposes specified in the Motor Spirit (Consolidation) and Gas Restriction Order, 1918. I regret that I cannot see my way to modify the Order as suggested.