HC Deb 29 March 1927 vol 204 cc1038-9
47. Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD - BURY

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of his statement in the Budget of last year, he can give, approximately, the amounts that would be brought in by a 4d. and a 6d. tax per gallon on petrol?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Churchill)

The estimates asked for by my hon. and gallant Friend could not be framed except on the basis of a number of assumptions as to the possible scope of a duty upon motor spirit, which must vary widely according to the particular point of view. In these circumstances I regret that I am unable to supply the information.

Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-RURY

Did not the right hon. Gentleman on the last Budget say that he would look into the matter, and does not this mean that he has not looked into it?

Mr. CHURCHILL

On the contrary, I have been looking into it continually, and not at all by my own unaided eyesight, but with the assistance of many competent experts. Nevertheless, I am not prepared to make any statement on the subject this afternoon.