§ MR. T. G. ASHTON (Beds., Luton)I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether any reason exists for the retention of the plate licence other than that of its being a source of Revenue.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERThere exists a considerable difference of opinion on the subject of the plate licence amongst the various branches of the trade, and many of those 1029 who pay the licence are opposed to its removal, and that seems to me a reason against its removal. But in the course of the last few days I have received a large number of memorials in favour of the removal of this licence, many of them forwarded by Members of this House. I think there is some misapprehension on the subject, because those who have got up these memorials, which are drawn up on a printed form, evidently suppose that it has something to do with the Budget, whereas it has nothing whatever to do with the Budget. The proceeds of the licence are paid into the Local Taxation Account and distributed to the various local authorities, and I very much doubt whether the local authorities would like to see it abolished.