§ 37. Mr. JOHNSTONasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that a merchant who is compelled by the exigencies of his business to keep a spare motor for use in the event of a breakdown in his regular car transport, is forced to take out a full quarter's licence for his spare ear should it be called into use, although only for one day; and 1066 whether, in view of the hardship thus caused, he will make provision for the sale of temporary licences of short duration, either by the police or the post offices?
§ Colonel ASHLEYBy taking advantage of the provisions for the surrender of a licence made under Section 18 of the Finance Act, 1924, the owner of a motor vehicle can, in effect, limit his payment of duty to the cost of a licence for any one licensing month in the year. I am not prepared to make provision for the issue of licences for any shorter period.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONDoes not the right hon. Gentleman consider that it is a gross injustice in a case where a man's car is not in use, although he has already paid the licence fee for it, that he should be compelled to pay even a month's licence fee for a substitute car for, possibly, only two days' work?
§ Colonel ASHLEYNo, Sir, I do not.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINis not this a very sensible question, and would it not be a sound business proposition to issue a weekly licence at a price which would pay his Department and be of advantage to the user?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYAre not all Labour questions very sensible questions?