HC Deb 03 April 1962 vol 657 cc191-2
14. Mr. Prentice

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what reply he has sent to the recent letter from the East Ham Borough Council about the effect of high fuel oil taxes on fares paid by the travelling public, and the need for tax remission in this field.

Sir E. Boyle

My right hon. Friend has acknowledged the Council's letter and noted their views. I cannot, of course, say anything further at this time of year.

Mr. Prentice

Nevertheless, would the hon. Gentleman consider telling his right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor that it would be a very good idea to reduce this tax burden in next week's Budget, bearing in mind the unfair effects on the travelling public who have to pay higher fares and on workers in the passenger transport industry who have been suffering a decline in their earnings as compared with others?

Sir E. Boyle

I will certainly draw the hon. Member's supplementary question to the notice of the Chancellor.

Mr. A. Lewis

The Government have been claiming for eleven years that they have been reducing the cost of living but have not succeeded very much over those eleven years. Is not this one way in which they could reduce the cost of living?

Sir E. Boyle

I can only make the comment that no doubt opportunities will shortly arise when the hon. Member may debate this matter.