§ 2. Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total expenditure by firms and companies during the last financial year for the purchase of private motor cars.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe only available estimates relating to expenditure on the purchase of ordinary motor cars by persons carrying on business are of the amounts o f such expenditure qualifying for capital allowances, which exclude amounts attributable to private usage. The latest estimate, which relates to trading accounts ending in 1961–62, is £175 million, of which £120 million was spent by companies and £55 million by individual businessmen and partnerships.
§ Mr. DigbyDoes not my right hon. Friend think that there might be a case for examining the possibility of having two different forms of road fund licence and a distinguishing mark between the two types of owner?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI think that there would be very great difficulty in my hon. Friend's suggestion of having different types of road fund licence. There might be very considerable administrative and practical difficulties about that.
§ Mr. HoughtonThe right hon. Gentleman will remember that about two years ago the then Chancellor of the Exchequer said that he was conducting an investigation into the nature of business expenses. Has he any information to give the House as to when the result of this investigation may be available?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe investigation into Schedule E expenses generally—not specifically for motor cars—is not yet complete for last year.
§ Sir J. BarlowDoes not my right hon. Friend think that it would be a good thing to have the owner's name written in large letters on the car?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI will certainly consider that, but I imagine that it is rather more a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport.
§ Mr. TileyWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that, whatever is saved in expenses, the Government get it all back in Purchase Tax when the car is bought?