§ 97. Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD - BURYasked the Minister of Transport how many meetings the Committee that is sitting on the question of motor taxation have held since 1st January, 1924, and how many meetings were held in the six months up to 31st December, 1923: and whether, after two years, there is any intention of issuing an interim Report?
§ Mr. GOSLINGThe Committee have held three meetings since 1st January, 2139 1924, and six meetings were held in the last six months of 1923. No meetings were held between 31st July and 19th October, 1923, owing to the holiday season. The first effective meeting, for the consideration of alternative systems of taxation to the one at present in force, could not be held before January, 1923, as it was necessary to allow ample time for the motoring organisations and others to submit alternative proposals. I understand from the Chairman that he hopes that a final Report of the Committee will be available in June, and I am satisfied that in the circumstances it would not be desirable that any interim report, which would necessarily be incomplete, should be issued at the present time.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYDoes not the right hon. Gentleman consider it a perfect scandal that this Committee which has been sitting for two years has only held six meetings in six months?