HC Deb 06 April 1949 vol 463 c2087

I propose then, first, to repeal certain Excise Licence duties, payable by appraisers, auctioneers, house agents and plate dealers. The reason for their imposition has long since ceased to exist; they imply no qualification, as they are issued to anyone who pays the money for them. They cause a considerable amount of work, and their yield is only £150,000 a year. They will disappear after 5th July next.

Some other duties, administered by Customs and Excise, which should be continued are really much more suitable for local administration. These are the licence duties on hawkers, moneylenders, pawnbrokers, and refreshment house keepers. The local authorities have agreed to accept their transfer, and, after some small modifications have been made in the duties, this transfer will be carried through, as from a convenient date, by Treasury Order.

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