HC Deb 09 December 1958 vol 597 cc191-2
16. Captain Pilkington

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the percentage increase in the amount of annual revenue provided from motor vehicle and petrol taxation in 1958 compared with 1938.

Mr. Amory

The answer is 392 per cent.

Captain Pilkington

Does not my right hon. Friend think that that is an astonishing figure? Does not he think that the motorist should pay rather less in taxation?

Mr. Amory

The motorist, like everyone else, would like to pay rather less in taxation and, consistent with my requirement to raise the revenue, I would agree with my hon. and gallant Friend, the motorist and everyone else.

38. Mr. Prentice

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the estimated yield in the current financial year from licensed vehicle duty and fuel oil duty.

Mr. Amory

£100 million from motor vehicle duty and £345 million from the hydrocarbon oil duties.

Mr. Prentice

Would the Chancellor agree that the London Transport Executive is paying something like £5 million a year under these two headings and that is one of the reasons why it finds it necessary to cut bus services in the Greater London area, thereby causing grave concern to the public? In the circumstances, will he have a look at this matter to see whether the tax might be reduced in the next Budget?

Mr. Amory

I am afraid that without notice I cannot corroborate the accuracy of the figure the hon. Member has given, and I am not sure that I could do so even with notice. Of course, the duties form one element in costs, but against that they bring in a large amount of revenue which I should find it difficult to do without.