§ 53. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that, subsequent to the passage of the Finance Act, 1926, special instructions were sent to motor taxation authorities to rate mechanically-and electrically-propelled vehicles owned by local authorities and used in non-trading services at the commercial rate; and will he state his reasons for such a change in policy?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The change in classification referred to in the question was effected by the Finance Act, 1926, arid the reasons for it were fully explained by me in the House on 21st June last, in dealing with an Amendment put down in Committee on the Finance Bill by my hon. Friend the Member for Grimsby (Mr. Wornersley).
§ Mr. WILLIAMSCan the right hon. Gentleman state why there should be this change in classification of vehicles owned by local authorities, if those vehicles seldom or never go beyond the bounds of the local authority in question?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI cannot go over the whole Debate which took place on this subject in connection with the Budget last year.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that, previously to the last Finance Act, a special classification was provided for vehicles owned by local authorities working inside their own areas; and will he consider a re-arrangement of this taxation?
§ Colonel ASHLEYNo, Sir; this decision was arrived at by the wisdom of Parliament which discussed the matter only last year.