§ 58. Mr. DORISasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the case of owners of private motor-cars who are unable to use them owing to the restrictions in petrol supplies; and whether he will favourably consider the refund of the amounts paid by them for motor licences in respect of such cars during the present year?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have considered this question in the light of the recent announcement of the Petrol Control Committee that the supply of motor spirit will shortly be further restricted and in some cases altogether cut off, and I have come to the conclusion that the situation calls for exceptional treatment. I have accordingly decided to introduce a Clause in the Finance Bill providing that where the owner of a private car is unable to use it owing to the restriction of the supply of motor spirit, he shall, if he surrenders his motor-car licence before the 30th June, be entitled to repayment of one-half of the duty which he paid on taking it up.