§ Mr. LONSDALEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will name the products which are comprised within the term petrol for the purposes of the new taxation?
§ Mr. LLOYD-GEORGEI do not think it is desirable that I should make a statement on this subject until the Finance Bill is in the hands of the House.
§ Mr. LONSDALEWill the right hon. Gentleman give us some information to be going on with?
§ Mr. HAROLD COXSince the House has already passed a Resolution for a tax on petrol, how is that being enforced unless there is a definition of it?
§ Mr. LLOYD-GEORGEThere is a definition of it, but at the same time it is quite impossible to give all those particulars before the Bill is introduced. Otherwise it is very difficult for a Minister to give an answer which is at the same time concise and comprehensive. That is the reason I am bound to give a general answer to anybody who asks a question which will be put in the Finance Bill.
§ Mr. HAROLD COXI quite appreciate what the right hon. Gentleman says, but surely he will have no objection to tell the House, not necessarily to-day, but at some other time, on what instructions officials are acting in order to levy this duty?
§ Mr. LLOYD-GEORGEAs a matter of fact, the officials have not at the present moment levied a single penny, though I understand the price of petrol has gone up by threepence per gallon.