§ 57. Mr. Toucheasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that in cases when a petroleum officer delays until after the expiry of the month to notify a motor-car owner that he can no longer be allowed petrol coupons, the county council concerned cannot refund the money paid for the licence for the month in which the refusal was posted; and whether in these circumstances the county council will be given discretion to make such refunds?
§ Sir J. AndersonThe law provides for a refund of motor licence duty, but only in respect of each complete month of the currency of the licence that is unexpired when the licence is surrendered. A refund of duty in respect of a period prior to the surrender of the licence can only be given when the council is satisfied that the vehicle has not been on the road at any time during the currency of the licence. Careful consideration has been given to the possibility of amending the law to meet other cases of the kind to which my hon. Friend refers, but no practicable alternative arrangement has been found.