3 MAY 1986, Page 21

Don't call me

LATE for a City date, I bounced into a taxi — and was startled to find that it offered, not only a telephone, but a list of excuses for being late. Pick up our telephone (suggested Racal, which supplies it) and tell them you are stuck behind the Lord Mayor's carriage. What happens, I asked the driver, if the Lord Mayor rings me back? I was reassured: the telephone only works outwards. This has very considerable scope. On my next journey, I shall ask the driver to call up some City worthy and say: 'Would you mind holding on for a moment — Mr Fildes is in his other taxi.'