§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, before deciding upon the recent increase in taxi cab fares, he discussed it with representatives of the taxi cab drivers' trade union; whether their agreement to these increases was received; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitelawMy Department had frequent and lengthy discussions extending over a period of about eight months with representatives of all sections of the London taxi trade, including the TGWU (cab section) and the other organisations representing drivers, about an increase in fares. I regret that, notwithstanding these very full discussions, the TGWU was not prepared to agree to the new tariff which takes effect on 22 July.