§ 13. Sir PHILIP RICHARDSONasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the licence fees for lorries in Kenya under the new Government Bill range from £180 a year to £1 a day; whether this practice of licensing exists in any other Crown Colony; and whether, in view of the effect which such taxation has upon the development of trade and commerce, he will take steps to have them reduced?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Dr. Drummond Shiels)The practice of licensing motor vehicles exists in every British Colony except Bermuda, where such vehicles are not permitted. As to the new Kenya legislation, my Noble Friend has not received from the Government of Kenya the Ordinance as passed by the Legislative Council. Nor has he received any information from the Governor to show that the Bill has been proceeded with. The Ordinance, when passed, may differ from the Bill, and no useful purpose would be served by considering the 1472 matter in detail until the final form of the law is available. When the Ordinance is received, it will, of course, be carefully examined. I will advise the hon. and gallant Member, if he wishes, when the Ordinance has been received.