HC Deb 29 July 1943 vol 391 c1816W
Mr. Gledhill

asked the Home Secretary whether it is with his authority that at night many drivers of taximeter-cabs refuse to take a fare going in the opposite direction to that in which they are driving?

Mr. H. Morrison

A cab driver who is plying for hire is not entitled to pick and choose his fares. Misunderstandings sometimes arise at night between would-be hirers and drivers who are returning home (with perhaps almost empty tanks) and are not seeking hirings, but who may nevertheless be willing to take a passenger going in the direction of their home or garage.

Mr. Gledhill

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works what purpose the regulation preventing the hiring of a taximeter-cab within the precincts of Hyde Park serves?

Mr. Hicks

Regulations applying to Hyde Park prohibit taxis loitering or ranking in the Park to attract fares. The Regulations do not prevent the hiring of a cab available for hire when it is passing through the park.