§ Sir FRANCIS LOWEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, when he is considering abatements of taxation in favour of motor cars used for trade or professional purposes, he will also consider the claims of hackney carriage proprietors to be relieved of the carriage tax, which is in effect a tax on trade implements and which is felt to be particularly burdensome in consequence of motor and other competition?
§ Mr. LLOYD-GEORGEThe point raised by the hon. Member has already received my attention, but I fear I cannot see my way to grant the relief which he suggests.
§ Sir FRANCIS LOWEMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that two Select Committees appointed by this House—one in 1894 and the other in 1906—have recommended the abolition of this tax as regards cabs in the metropolitan area, whether he is aware that the conditions affecting the proprietors of cabs are now less favourable than at the time these recommendations were made owing to the increased competition of motor cabs and electric tramways?
§ Mr. LLOYD-GEORGEI quite accept the hon. Gentleman's statement, but I am afraid I am not in a position this year to give relief.
§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYWill the right hon. Gentleman consider it next year?