§ 28. Captain Pilkingtonasked the Minister of Transport what proportion of local authorities' vehicles it is estimated will be exempted from the levy if the standard is raised from one to one and a half tons.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydNo statistics are available which would enable me to make such an estimate.
§ Captain PilkingtonIs my right hon. Friend aware that in the case of one local authority of which I know only three vehicles out of a fleet of 50 are concerned, and would he consider some way of lessening the burdens that fall on local authorities in this matter?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydAs I have said, it is impossible to know how many vehicles are affected unless they happen to coincide with definite taxation classes. We believe that by raising the limit to 30 cwt. instead of one ton the original purpose of the relevant Clause of the Bill will be achieved, and, also, that there will be substantial aid for certain local authorities.
§ Mr. LewisIs the Minister aware that in the case of my own local authority it will only apply to one vehicle and that the appropriate association of local authorities are still very much upset about this affair? Is it not disgusting that they should have to pay this levy, and will he not look again at this matter?
§ Mr. CallaghanIs not the real way of getting rid of the burden on local authorities to get rid of the levy altogether, and to sell the assets at their proper price instead of selling them off cheaply?