HC Deb 28 July 1955 vol 544 cc1344-5
49. Mr. Jay

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the cars sold in the home market in the most recent year attracted the Income Tax initial allowance; and whether he will now withdraw the initial allowance from passenger cars.

Mr. H. Brooke

The information asked for in the first part of the Question is not available. The proposal in the second part of the Question would require legislation, and the appropriate occasion for considering it would be the Finance Bill.

Mr. Jay

Whatever this percentage, which many people believe to be more than 50, is it not extraordinary that at a time when the Chancellor wants to divert goods from the home market the Treasury, in effect, should be subsidising the purchase of cars in this way?

Mr. Brooke

The right hon. Gentleman is suggesting legislation. I am sure that he recognises that we could not bring in a Finance Bill even if we wanted to at this particular date. I will draw the attention of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what the right hon. Gentleman has said.

Mr. Jay

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that I am trying to help him in his present difficulties? If he chooses to legislate on this subject he will have the support of many of us on this side of the House.

Mr. Brooke

I always imagine the right hon. Gentleman as constantly wishing to be helpful.

Mr. Albu

Would not the Minister consider the suggestion of his hon. Friend the Member for Middleton and Prestwich (Sir J. Barlow) that when cars are used for business purposes they should have the name of the company painted on them, as in the case of commercial vehicles?