HC Deb 09 April 1888 vol 324 cc707-8
MR. H. S. WRIGHT (Nottingham, S.)

asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether he will re-consider the proposed tax (£1 in addition to Wheel Tax) on all vehicles over 10 cwt. by raising the limit of weight to such a figure as would not include ordinary one-horse carts used for carrying coal and other goods; whether, whilst reserving the £1 tax for vehicles exceeding such increased limit, he would impose only 10s. as Wheel Tax on those coming within it; and, whether he will consider the expediency of imposing a higher tax than the £1 on traction engines and drays used for carrying excessive weights, such as boilers and heavy machinery, in view of the damage, done to roads by these latter vehicles?

The hon. Gentleman also asked, Whether, with regard to the proposed tax on the heavier class of carts, the right hon. Gentleman has taken into consideration the probable effect it will have in causing carts to be made with narrow wheels in order to save weight; and, whether, with the view of preventing the serious damage to roads which would result from the general use of narrow-wheeled carts for heavy loads, he will consider the expediency of exempting from the Wheel Tax wheels of not less breadth than four inches?

MR. CAUSTON (Southwark, W.)

said, that before the right hon. Gentleman answered that Question, he should like to ask him whether he was not prepared, unconditionally and at once, to withdraw his proposal with regard to the Van and Wheel Tax?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN) (St. George's, Hanover Square)

Mr. Speaker, certainly not. In answer to the Question upon the Paper, the present is not the proper time to discuss changes in detail in the proposed Cart Tax, such as whether the limit of the higher rate of duty should be placed at 10 cwt., or at some greater weight. When the Bill reaches the Committee stage, hon. Members will have every opportunity of urging their views on such questions of detail. With regard to traction-engines, I do propose, though I do not think I explained this in my Budget Statement, to impose a higher rate of duty than £1. I may take this opportunity of answering the hon. Gentleman's other Question; and I would say that I do not think that the tax is likely to have any effect upon the make of wheels.