BLACK cab registrations dipped last month with Manganese Bronze, the cab manufacturer, recording a fall in sales as a result of the war in Iraq, according to the group.

April sales of hackney cabs fell 22% on last year's figures, down to 163 from 209 in April 2002. However, sales have been steadily declining throughout the year, falling 8% since August 2002. Manganese has reported pre-tax losses of £1.6 million for the six months to January 31.