§ 61. Sir Jocelyn Lucasasked the Minister of Transport if, in view of the recent decision with reference to red or white petrol for utility cars, he will state whether these will now be classified as private vehicles for speed limit purposes, more especially where no C licence is held and they are licensed as private cars, and in view of the fact that Purchase Tax is payable on them as private vehicles, whereas commercial vehicles avoid this tax.
§ The Minister of Transport (Mr. Barnes)No, Sir. The considerations mentioned are not relevant to the speed limit.
§ Sir J. LucasWhy should private cars, because they have a body suitable for luggage or shopping, be penalised as 868 against saloon cars which may contain hangers for clothes and be used for commercial purposes? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many authorities refuse to enforce this archaic law?
§ Mr. BarnesIt is difficult to determine the class of vehicle here according to the use to which it is put at any particular time.
§ Sir J. LucasSurely this relates only to licences for private use? It is not a commercial matter.
§ Mr. PagetSince none of these utility vehicles observes the speed limit anyhow, why not abolish this archaic regulation?
§ Mr. BarnesThat is an entirely different point.
§ Sir J. LucasI beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.