§ Sir HERBERT NIELDasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that J. W. 2277W Edwards, of 33, Cranmer Avenue, Ealing, the owner of a taxi-cab, passed all the tests imposed by the Commissioner of Police some nine years ago, and was granted a driver's licence, which was renewed annually down to August last, when renewal was refused on the ground that Edwards had no sight in one eye; whether he is aware that at the time of passing the test and being granted his licence Edwards' eyesight was the same as when the renewal was refused, and that while holding the licence Edwards had never had the slightest mishap of any kind or any trouble with his fares, and in that period he has covered over 105,000 miles with his cabs, besides being a successful instructor of drivers;and whether, having regard to these facts and also to the fact that by means of his savings Edwards has become the owner of his cab, as well as in view of the shortage of taxi-cabs available on the streets, he will make an exception in this case of provedexpert skill and direct that Edwards should have a renewal of his licence granted to him so that he may continue to earn a livelihood?
§ Mr. SHORTTI am informed by the Commissioner of Police that Edwards was licensed as a motor-cab driver from 1910 (at which time new entrants were not required to submit a medical certificate) to August, 1918, and that his licence was then withdrawn, in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee on the Licensing of Partly Disabled Men as Drivers, because it was then found for the first time that he had lost one eye. The Commissioner has no information as to when the loss occurred. Edwards had one conviction far exceeding the speed limit, but his record generally was good. The Committee on the Licensing of Partly Disabled Men as Drivers has been reappointed, and his case, with that of others, will come before it for review. I regret that I am unable to take any action in the matter in anticipation of the recommendation of the Committee. Edwards is still licensed as a cab proprietor, and, like other proprietors, can engage a licensed man to drive his cab.