Road User Taxation

HC Deb 01 August 1963 vol 682 cc635-6

28. Mr. Webster

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the revenue during the latest convenient period from all types of road user taxation.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The 1962–63 revenue in Great Britain from all types of road user taxation was £742 million.

Mr. Webster

Would not such a source of revenue not only assist in paying the interest rate on the type of loan which I mentioned in Question No. 27, but also, in due course, assist in the redeeming of the loan? Will not my right hon. Friend use greater imagination in the raising of finance for the building of roads?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I explained to my hon. Friend in my earlier Answer that it was not the method of raising finance but the call on resources which is the limiting factor on the very large programme which my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport is undertaking. As to the use of this money, it is part of the general revenue.

Mr. Webster

What is the resource that is the greatest shortage now?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The strain on the construction industry is at the moment a very important problem.