HC Deb 12 February 1963 vol 671 cc1106-7
18. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received regarding the reduction or removal of the 275 per cent. tax on fuel oil used by public service vehicles; and if he will consider these when preparing his Budget.

Mr. Maudling

I have received representations from the Joint Fuel Tax Committee for the Passenger Road Transport Industry and from a number of individual passenger transport undertakings. I will certainly consider them.

Mr. Allaun

Will the Chancellor of the Exchequer bear in mind that, although slashing the tax on motor cars, the Government have in contrast raised the tax on fuel for buses, which are the poor man's motor car, by 3d. a gallon to the figure of 2s. 9d. a gallon, which I understand to mean about 2¾d. per bus-mile? Is not this unfair and will it not worsen the existing car congestion on the roads?

Mr. Maudling

I shall certainly take this point into account, but obviously I cannot make any comment on it.

Mr. More

Will my right hon. Friend remember that it is on the rural bus services that this tax presses most hardly? In view of the Government's failure to implement any of the recommendations of the Jack Committee, will he give urgent attention to possible repeal of this tax?

Mr. Maudling

The point about the rural buses has certainly been urged upon me.