§ 16. Mr. CASSELasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to a recent conference of local authorities at Richmond, at which a resolution was unanimously passed in favour of giving the proceeds of Petrol Taxes and Licence Duties in respect of motor omnibuses to the local authorities in whose areas such omnibuses ply; and whether he is prepared to give effect to this proposal?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEA copy of the resolution referred to has been forwarded to me, but I do not propose to take any action in the matter pending a general settlement of the question of the relations between Imperial and Local Taxation. The hon. Member is of course aware that under Section 90 of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, and Section 18 of the Revenue Act, 1911, the net proceeds of the Duties in question are carried to the credit of the Road Improvement Fund, and are thus made applicable to services of a local character.
§ Mr. CASSELWill the right hon. Gentleman consider some proposal supplemental of the law in that respect, and with regard to the report referred to can the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea as to when we are likely to get that report, the evidence having already been published?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI could not answer the second question. With regard to the first, I will consider any suggestion which the hon. Gentleman makes to me on the subject. I am very doubtful as to the advisability of the course.
§ Mr. KELLAWAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that if the whole of the tax paid by each motor 'bus went to the local rates, it would be altogether inadequate to repair the amount of damage done by these 'buses to local roads?