HC Deb 01 July 1924 vol 175 cc1129-31
60. Mr. BLACK

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can give any further information as to the proposals to transfer the incidence of motor taxation from horse-power to petrol or other motor spirit?

65. Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURY

asked the Minister of Transport when the Report on the taxation of motor vehicles will be issued?

69. Viscount CURZON

asked the Minister of Transport whether the Committee on the Taxation of Motor Vehicles has as yet reported; and, if so, what is the nature of its Report and do the Government intend to adopt its recommendations?

Mr. GOSLING

The Report of the Departmental Committee on the Taxation and Regulation of Road Vehicles, dealing with the existing system of motor taxation, has been presented to me. It is being printed as expeditiously as possible and will be available shortly. The report covers several points, but on the main question of a duty on motor spirit seven members are against, two in favour, the remaining member has presented a separate memorandum. The five members who sign the main Report, while recommending certain modifications of the existing system of taxation, arrive at the following general conclusion: It is in these circumstances that we have again reluctantly come to the conclusion, that no method of administering a motor spirit duty can be contrived which would not inflict grace inconvenience and additional expense upon considerable numbers of consumers of motor spirit (and of some kerosenes) used for purposes other than the propulsion of road vehicles, or which could be relied upon to yield a certain revenue at a reasonable cost. Two other members of the Committee concur with the main Report, so far as it concerns the Motor Spirit Duty, though they consider that the proceedings of the Committee have established an even stronger case against it than that set out in the main Report.

Colonel ASHLEY

In view of the important statement made by the Minister of Transport, may I ask the Prime Minister whether the House will have some opportunity of discussing this important Report before the Adjournment?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. J. Ramsay MacDonald)

I must have time to consider the matter. This is the first I have heard of it.

Viscount CURZON

Does the Minister of Transport consider that the results of this Committee justify its three years' work?

Mr. GOSLING

I have only been responsible for the Committee for a very short time. They have kept their promise made to me and have delivered the Report in June.

Lieut. - Colonel HOWARD - BURY

Could not the hon. Gentleman bring in some of these recommendations during the Autumn Session, so that they could be enforced on 1st January, 1925, instead of waiting until January, 1926?

Sir WILLIAM JOYNSON-HICKS

Will the hon. Gentleman publish this Report as soon as possible?

Mr. GOSLING

I am having it printed for that purpose.

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