§ 54. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Transport how many vehicles, mechanically and electrically driven, are Owned by local authorities and used in non-trading services such as sanitary and road cleansing; and the net sum paid in taxation for these vehicles in 1925 and 1926?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe records of the licensing authorities are maintained in such a form that the information desired by the hon. Member could only be extracted by a long and laborious search. I hope, therefore, that he will not press for a return.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSis the right hon. Gentleman aware of the increase of the taxation on those vehicles that operate only within the districts where they are owned, and that the item is a very considerable sum for the local authorities, and have representations been made to him, and what does he intend to do in the matter?
§ Colonel ASHLEYAs the hon. Member is aware, this subject was very fully discussed on the Budget last year, and no doubt it will come up again for discussion this year. I do not remember having received any special representation on the point.
§ Mr. B. SMITHWill the right hon. Gentleman undertake to afford the information by circularising the whole of the local authorities as to the number of vehicles they have.
§ Colonel ASHLEYNo; I reckon that in these days of economy we should try to save where we can.