§ Mr. B. SMITHasked the Home Secretary the number of taxicabs licensed in June, 1914, and June of the present year; the number of licensed taxicab drivers in June, 1914, and June of the present year; the number of motor omnibuses licensed in June, 1914, and June of the present year; the number of trams licensed in June, 1914, and June of the present year; the number of licensed chars-a-bane in June, 1914, and June of the present year; the number of licensed stage, drivers in June, 1914, and June of the present year; and the number of licensed stage carriages for June, 1914, and June of the present year?
Mr. HENDERSONThe following Return gives, approximately, the figures asked for. Licences are normally valid for 12 months, so that the number licensed during the year ending on a certain date will be, approximately, the number of licences in force on that date. The number of drivers licensed in the year ending June, 1914, cannot be supplied, as the tabulated records have been destroyed. The figures for the years 1913 and 1923 have, therefore, been included as a guide.
result of the surfacing materials which are being used on some of the new arterial roads, especially during showery weather; and, if not, whether he will have 81W the matter investigated with a view to discovering and putting into use soma material which will help to overcome this danger?
§ Mr. GOSLINGThe question of slippery roads was considered in 1921 by an expert Committee appointed by the President at the County Surveyors' Society at the request of the then Minister of Transport. The Committee arrived at the general conclusion that occasional slipperiness, under certain climatic conditions, is part of the price that must be paid for the smooth surface which modern transport demands, and also made certain recommendations with regard to the shoeing of Horses. I may add that expenditure incurred by highway authorities in sanding or gritting, when necessary, Class I or Class II roads, ranks for grant from the Road Fund.