§ Dr. ADDISONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been drawn to the statement of Mr. W. P. Byrne, the Assistant Under-Secretary of State at the Home Office, before the committee appointed to inquire into taxi-cab fares and other matters, to the effect that the cost of administering the Acts in Loudon exceed the receipts from the duties and licences by several thousands a year; if he can state how it is that the costs of collection are so great; and whether he will endeavour to make such arrangements that these charges shall become remunerative to the State?
§ Mr. CHURCHILL (for the Chancellor of the Exchequer)The statement made by Mr. Byrne related only to the revenue which is derived from the police licences granted to the proprietors, drivers, and conductors of public vehicles, and which is paid into the Metropolitan Police Fund; and I have been aware of the fact that this, revenue falls short of the expenditure which is necessitated by the licensing and regulation of these vehicles. The cost of 1975 collection of this revenue is very small. Mr. Byrne's observations had no reference to those duties on vehicles which are imposed under the Finance Acts for general revenue purposes.