HC Deb 05 December 1944 vol 406 cc353-4
54. Wing-Commander Hulbert

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is now in a position to make any statement with regard to the representations made to him for the revision of the basis of motorcar taxation.

58. Miss Ward

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now make a statement with regard to the revision of motor-car taxation.

Mr. Peake

No, Sir, not yet.

Wing-Commander Hulbert

May I ask my right hon. Friend, when?

Mr. Peake

As my right hon. Friend said about a fortnight ago, "At an early date in the present Session."

Miss Ward

Can my right hon. Friend give us a definition of "an early date"?

Mr. Peake

It is not quite the same thing as a very early date.

Mr. Shinwell

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate, quite seriously, that this question of a revision of motor vehicle taxation has a profound bearing on the revival of our motor industry, and that any statement which is to be made should not be unduly delayed? It ought not to await the Budget Statement itself.

Mr. Peake

I can assure my hon. Friend that there is no suggestion that it should await the Budget Statement. There will be a statement, I expect, very shortly.