asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place a limit on the total number of licences granted annually for driving taxicabs in the London area.

I would refer to the reply given to the hon. Member for Southampton, Test (Dr. King) on 24th April.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that there is very considerable concern about the unrestricted number of licences that are being granted?

Yes, Sir. I have had the pleasure of meeting the trade union concerned and I am considering the matter very carefully. I must admit that I find it a most difficult question, but I am giving my best consideration to it.

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman tell us when he expects that all existing taxi-cabs will have meters to register the new fares?

That is another question, but if the hon. Member will put it on the Order Paper I will look into it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many new licences for driving a taxicab in the London area have been granted since 1st January, 1952.

One hundred and thirty-nine, Sir.