HC Deb 23 March 1950 vol 472 cc138-9W
111. Sir W. Wakefield

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he proposes to make a decision upon the application made to him last September for authority to increase taxicab fares in the London area.

Mr. Ede

Before I can arrive at a decision I feel that an investigation by an accountant of eminence of the figures supplied by the cab trade is necessary. At my personal request, Sir Alan Rae Smith has agreed to undertake this task.

114. Sir W. Wakefield

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of London taxicabs now available for service; and whether he is satisfied that this number is adequate to meet the requirements of the increased number of overseas and foreign visitors expected in London this summer.

Mr. Ede

Six thousand seven hundred and thirty-two. As regards the last part of the Question, I cannot undertake to forecast future fluctuations of public demand.