49. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider a reduction of the Petrol Duty in respect of the fuel used for Civil Air Guard flying, since this body is an important part of the National Service scheme, and in view of the fact that such a concession would enable greater efficiency to be obtained in the direction of the actual number of hours spent in the air, and in the use of machines more nearly approximating to the service type?
§ Sir J. SimonI am afraid that I cannot entertain a suggestion which would impair the integrity of the petrol tax.
Mr. De la BèreDoes my right hon. Friend not realise the importance of having as many men in the air as we possibly can?
§ Sir J. SimonEven so, I do not think the way to do it would be to alter the petrol tax.