94. Mr. C. WASONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will be in a position to state before the House rises if he proposes to differentiate between low-priced cars practically only used for trade purposes and cars built and used privately for pleasure, and, in view of the ever-increasing scarcity of petrol, consider whether the time has arrived when no person should be allowed to use a private motor without a permit from the Government?
§ Mr. McKENNACars used for trade purposes are under the existing law more favourably treated than pleasure cars provided they are constructed and adapted for trade purposes. I do not think that in practice it would be possible to make the concession depend solely upon use apart from construction, as the opportunities for evasion would obviously be very great. As regards the last part of the question, the whole question of economising the petrol supply is engaging the most attentive consideration of the Board of Trade.