§ Mr. Geoffrey Finsbergasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date he received the original application for a tariff increase in respect of London taxis; on what date he received the report on taxi costs from the Price Commission; on what date he received any revised tariff proposals; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThe Price Commission submitted its report on prices, costs and margins in the provision of taxicab 753W and private hire-car services to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection on 31 August. An application for an increase in London taxi fares was received on 9 October. On 3 January, representatives of the London taxi trade were informed by my Department that the Government were prepared to agree to an increase in London taxi fares which takes account of the Price Commission recommendations and is based on the increase in cab operating costs, with an allowance for increased earnings consistent with the Government's earnings guidelines. Since that date, my Department has received from the taxi trade a wide range of suggestions for modifications to the Government's proposals.