§ 34. Mr. J. Hyndasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will announce a remission of the current motor car licence tax in the light of the reduction in use of vehicles caused by the restrictions in the use of petrol.
§ Mr. H. BrookeI would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave to the hon. Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Lewis) on 28th November.
§ Mr. HyndAs I do not recollect the terms of that Answer, would the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to repeat them?
§ Mr. BrookeThe Answer was in the terms which the Financial Secretary so often gives to requests for tax remission—"No."
§ Mr. HyndWill not the right hon. Gentleman reconsider this matter, because this tax is a considerable tax on small incomes, especially in view of the fact that people are being prevented, as a result of the Government's policy, from having any use of their cars, except on a restricted basis, for a very long period? Will he not reconsider this?
§ Mr. BrookeThis is, of course, a tax matter on which I cannot speak now, but it has always been open to the motorist not to tax his car in that he pays nothing while the car is laid up; and he can, if he wishes, turn the licence in before the end of the quarter or of the year, and get a refund.