HC Deb 07 July 1927 vol 208 cc1413-4
18. Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURY

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in view of the feeling in the country in favour of a tax on petrol instead of a tax on horse-power and in view of his statement in last year's Budget, he will appoint a committee to go into the whole question of the possibilities of a petrol tax?

Mr. McNEILL

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the replies which my right hon. Friend gave on the 30th June to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Gainsborough (Captain Crookshank).

Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Is the Financial Secretary aware that there is a strong feeling about this form of taxation; that in the United States all the provincial States have adopted it and are drawing a very big revenue from it; and that they have overcome the objections and difficulties raised by the officials of his Department and have proved them to be without foundation.

Mr. McNEILL

I am aware of these circumstances, but they do not affect the answer.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

If this be pressed will it not end in both a horse-power tax and a petrol tax?

Sir J. NALL

If people go on talking about a petrol tax, are they not likely to get it in addition to the other?