§ 65. Colonel DAYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received a resolution passed by the general council of the Royal Automobile Club protesting against the diversion of further sums from the Road Fund having regard to the need for increased expenditure on the roads of the country in order to improve and maintain them in a condition suitable to the needs of modern traffic; and, in view of the fact that the special motor-car taxation was introduced for a special purpose, will he consider the reduction of this tax to a 388 correspondingly low figure so that it shall be only adequate for the purpose for which it was originally imposed?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Ronald McNeill)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and I may add that my right hon. Friend has also received a number of letters from motorists, members of the Royal Automobile Club, expressing approval of the course taken by the Government, and expressly dissociating themselves from the action taken by the club. In answer to the last part of the question, my right hon. Friend has on more than one occasion expressed his views fully in Debate. There will be further opportunities for discussion in the Committee stage of the Finance Bill.
§ Colonel DAYHas the right hon. Gentleman taken into consideration also that it is very unfair to motorists who have two cars and can only use one at a time while the other is in the garage?
§ Mr. R. RICHARDSONHas the right hon. Gentleman received very many protests from road authorities on the matter?
§ Mr. McNEILLI have already said there will be an opportunity of discussing it on the Finance Bill.