HC Deb 05 March 1941 vol 369 cc916-7
52. Mr. Cocks

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in order to encourage the production and use of steam wagons and thus reduce the consumption of petrol, he will amend the taxation and axle-weight restrictions which have legislated these vehicles off the road?

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Captain Crookshank)

My right hon. Friend is not prepared to anticipate his Budget statement.

Mr. Cocks

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that in order to avoid a reply such as that, I put this Question down to the Minister of Transport? Will he bear in mind that 14years ago there were 10,000 of these vehicles on the road, and, in view of the petrol position, will he consider taking action, not as a Budget measure, but as a war measure?