§ Mr. Teelingasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the drivers, other than owner-drivers, were consulted before he increased the prices of taxi fares in London; what steps were taken to see that hired drivers would not suffer; and whether, in view of the discontent amongst drivers, he will now reconsider his decision.
§ Mr. Ede:As I said in the reply which I gave on 31st May, my decision to authorise a further increase in fares was reached after very careful consideration of the representations made to me by the various interests concerned, among which the drivers were included, and I gave full weight to the possible effects of these increases on the earnings of journeymen-drivers. I see no reason to think that I should be justified in reconsidering my decision on the ground suggested by the hon. Member.