§ Mr. G. Straussasked the Home Secretary whether he will introduce at all London railway termini the system now operating at some of them, whereby passengers requiring taximeter-cabs have to wait in turn and an attempt is made to arrange that several parties going in the same direction should share a taxi-meter-cab?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThe Commissioner of Metropolitan Police has been in communication with the railway companies from time to time on the first point to which my hon. Friend refers, and I am informed that the system of queues for taxis is now in operation at all London termini where there is need for them. The Commissioner has also recently suggested to the companies concerned that notices urging the public to share cabs so far as possible should be prominently exhibited at the queueing places, and such notices are being put up at certain stations. I understand that it has been the practice of railway staffs to encourage the sharing of cabs; and the public of course can and do make such arrangements on their own initiative.
§ Colonel Carverasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the growing practice of disengaged taximeter-cab drivers discriminating and choosing their fares; and whether this is permitted or what is the rule or regulation about it?
§ Mr. MorrisonA cab driver plying for hire commits an offence if he refuses to be hired within the Metropolitan Police District for a journey of not more than six miles. This matter has for some time past been receiving the special attention of the Metropolitan Police, and their information does not suggest that there has been any increase in such offences in recent months.