§ 32. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that many of the light-weight, 2¼ horse-power, motor-cycles, when equipped with lamp, etc., slightly exceed the 200-lbs. limit, which is the outside weight permitted for the 30s. tax, and that their owners are therefore liable to a £3 tax; and whether, in order to facilitate trade and increase sales, both as regards the home and overseas market, he will consider extending the 200-lb. limit to 225 lbs. for this class of machine?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Wilfrid Ashley)I have been asked to answer this question. I have been approached by the organisation representing the manufacturers of motor 1746 cycles to raise the dividing line between the two tax categories from 200 lbs. to 225 lbs. The 30s. licence duty was intended to apply to the true light-weight motor cycle, and I do not consider that the limit of 200 lbs. is too low for this purpose. The suggested concession would, moreover, involve a substantial loss of revenue.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this concession would lead to a very large increase, not only in our home trade, but also in our export trade?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI cannot quite agree with that, but, anyhow, I know it would lead to a very substantial loss in my revenue.