§ 73. Sir W. Wakefieldasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that there has been a wholesale cancelling of orders for taxicabs in London; and, in view of the fact that on account of police requirements for replacement of old cabs, 1,525 taxicabs will be withdrawn this year and 1,103 next year and 2,103 in the following three years, what steps he is proposing to take to ensure that there is an adequate supply of taxicabs for London.
§ Mr. Ede:I understand that before the recent increase in fares a considerable number of orders for new cabs had been cancelled or deferred, and this was one of the factors which I took into account in deciding to authorise the increase. The licences of 1,107 cabs first registered in 159W 1933 and 1934 are liable to withdrawal after special inspection this year. As from 1st January, 1952, 1,171 cabs registered in 1935 and licensed last year, will be subject to special inspection. No decision has yet been taken in regard to cabs first registered in 1936 and subsequently. I hope that the recent increase in fares will encourage proprietors to replace those cabs which are found to be unfit for further service.