asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will make a statement about London taxi fares.

The Secretary of State has made an Order increasing London taxi fares by about 5·5 per cent. on average with effect from Sunday 21 June 1987. The new tariff will incorporate a minimum fare of 80p (including an unchanged hire charge of 40p) for the first 924 yards or 3 minutes 18 seconds. The rate will then be 20p for every 462 yards or 1 minute 39 seconds up to 6 miles and 20p for each 308 yards or 66 seconds thereafter. The surcharge for hirings made on Boxing Day has been increased to £2·00 in line with the surcharge applicable on Christmas Day and new year's eve.