Mr. CATHCART WASONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that there is uncertainty whether the rebate on petrol can or cannot be granted in respect of cars duly licensed for hire, but which do not stand or ply for hire in a public place; and if he will take steps to issue a regulation on the subject?
§ Mr. LLOYD-GEORGEI am advised that under the Finance Bill as drawn the rebate referred to cannot be allowed in respect of cars which do not stand or ply for hire in a public place, and this is in accordance with my intention, which was to draw a distinction between hackney carriages of the ordinary kind and cars which are more of the nature of private vehicles hired for short periods. If my hon. Friend is in possession of any evidence to show that owners of vehicles of the former class are prevented by causes outside their own control from standing or plying for hire in a public place, I shall be glad to consider it.