WE are again confronted bt a letter from Mr Harrison, Hope the meter's not running which doesn't advance his argument one jot!

Throughout this saga I have tried to quote facts and the legal position as opposed to supposition, distortion and half-baked truths backed by quirky ideas of what is best for the local populace.

Studying his letters one must question the length of time he has worked in the industry as every time he writes the answer is different. He also denies the law regarding to the number of Hackney Carriages, which are controlled by the council, but also wants a change in that law.

The survey he refers to was requested by the Taxi Owners' Association but was carried out by the council to prove that deregulation wasn't necessary - this it did.

The charges made by private hire vehicles - these fares are unregulated - a charge that he confirmed when he stated that he chose to charge the same as taxis. What the advert fails to mention is that his company also runs at least one taxi to which this offer does not apply as this would constitute the offence of touting. And why was I singled out on the issue of objections to the last fare rise when there were others, owners, who objected?

I've never stated my personal opinion about the fares at New Year - just the facts - and no application has yet been made. It is for the owners to decide what they want to do and I, like anyone else, can object to any changes the council proposes, should I choose to do so - that's why the council is required by law to advertise all changes.

As to Mr Harrison's commitment to the private hire trade why does he not tell readers the history? He started as an owner before selling the plates and replace those with private hire plates. Since then I understand he he has been trying to get the council to replace those old plates h sold with new ones at a lower price.

Finally if things are wonderful in Barrow why has he only bought his private hire business in Lancaster when it seems he would have been far happier north of the sands.

David Hodgson

Sefton Road

Morecambe

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.