§ Mr. Raymond Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is now in a position to make a statement about the increases in fares authorised for the London taxi trade.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsYes. London taxi fares have been unchanged since March 1971, except for a 3p surcharge last year to take account of VAT. An application for an increase was made by the trade last August. A decision on its total amount was conveyed last December, and proposals for its distribution were agreed with the trade in January. In view of this commitment and of other relevant considerations I have made an order, which is to be published on Monday, fixing a revised fares scale.
The new minimum fare, which includes the 3p surcharge, will be 25p for a distance of 1,120 yards, instead of 18p for 900 yards as at present. The subsequent 439W fare will be 5p for 560 yards, instead of 3p for 450 yards. The extra charge for night hirings will be 12p instead of 9p. Other extra charges will be unchanged. The new fares will come into effect on 7th April. Conversion tables showing the new fares will be displayed in taxis until meters are converted to record the new tariff.