46. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is prepared to consider some form of relief or concession to the road transport contractor in view of the increased tax on petrol and fuel oil for use in road vehicles, and of the desirability of maintaining transport in all areas in the event of emergency?
§ Sir J. SimonI am unable to consider any measure which would be equivalent to the sacrifice of part of the additional revenue for which I am relying upon the increase in the hydrocarbon oil duties.
Mr. De la BèreDoes the right hon. Gentleman fully understand the difficulty of road hauliers and the penalties which they are called upon to shoulder, and is not the present position utterly unjust?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat matter does not arise out of the question on the Paper.