§ 26. Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the resolution agreed to by this House, without a Division, on 1st April last on the subject of the present system or taxation of mechanically-propelled vehicles, he will undertake that the Government, without waiting for the long-delayed Report of the Departmental Committee of the Ministry of Transport, shall, at the earliest opportunity, introduce a Bill in accordance with the terms of that recommendation, so that the new-system may come into operation on the 1st of January, 1925?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mr. Gosling)I have been asked to answer this question. I am not in a position to express any opinion on the subject until I receive, and have had an opportunity of considering, the Report of the Departmental Committee, which, as I have already stated, I expect in June.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYAs the hon. Gentleman is aware that it is the general wish of this House that there should be this change in the basis of taxation from horse power to petrol will he not take steps to carry out the wishes of this House, as otherwise nothing can be done until January, 1926?
§ Mr. GOSLINGI do not think that it would be right to do anything until I get the Report and see what is said.