§ Lieut.-Colonel Mackesonasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that private hire motorcars are allowed to proceed outside a 10-mile limit and taxicabs are not so allowed; and if he will now reduce the restrictions placed on taxicabs.
§ Mr. ShinwellPetrol allowances for private hire cars and taxicabs were increased last June and, at the same time, there was an extension of the permitted radius of operation of both classes of vehicles. In the case of taxicabs, the radius was extended from five to ten miles beyond, the boundary of the area within which the vehicle is licensed to ply for hire. I am unable to agree to further extensions at present.