§ 50. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he 990 has received any representations or petitions with regard to the present horsepower tax; and whether, in view of the fact that a 2s. 6d. horse-power tax and 6d. a gallon on petrol would bring in a similar amount, he will consider an alteration in the present system of motor taxation?
Mr. SAMUELThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the latter part, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave him on the subject on the 21st February last.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYWill my hon. Friend remind the Chancellor of the Exchequer that a petition signed by 920,000 owners and users of motor cars was presented this afternoon in favour of the change over to a petrol tax?
§ Mr. R. MORRISONWill the Financial Secretary represent to the Chancellor of the Exchequer that the imposition of this tax would make a very heavy additional burden on business firms?
§ Mr. CRAWFURDWill the hon. Member represent to the Chancellor of the Exchequer the desirability of deciding this question of the motor spirit tax upon its merits, and without reference to the need of future Chancellors of the Exchequer being able to take a certain amount out of the Road Fund?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat question does not arise.