§ Sir HARRY SAMUELasked the Home Secretary (1) whether he has inspected or been shown the accounts of any cab proprietors since the additional hiring fee was imposed; and if he will, if the cab masters persist in charging for petrol, consider the advisability of abolishing the additional hiring fee; and (2) whether he is aware that the Cab Masters' Federation has, by notice that came into effect on 22nd July, decided to charge drivers ½d. per mile for petrol; whether the additional hiring fee was intended to recoup cab proprietors for loss caused by the non-payment by drivers for petrol and the increased cost of the same; and, if so, whether he intends to take any action?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe books of the British Motor Cab Company were inspected by Sir William Plender before the additional hiring fee was authorised, but none of the other proprietors have submitted their books for inspection. Notice has been given by the Cab Masters' Federation of their intention to charge the drivers ½d. 259W per mile for petrol, and I understand that it is proposed that the matter should be submitted to arbitration. The additional hiring fee was sanctioned in consideration of the increase in working expenses, and I see no reason to abolish it.