§ 8. Mr. Jayasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the percentage rise in the motor vehicle duty paid annually on two-ton, five-ton, and 10-ton lorries, respectively, since 1933; what has been the percentage rise in the level of retail prices in the same period; and what would be the additional revenue collected now if the duties had risen in the same proportion as retail prices.
§ Mr. Maurice MacmillanThere has been a 20 per cent. increase in motor vehicle duty since 1933 in each of the instances mentioned. In the same period the retail price index has risen about three and a half times. If the rates of duty had risen by the same proportion, the current rate would have been £57 10s. higher than at present for a 2-ton lorry; £161 higher for a 5-ton lorry, and £391 higher for a 10-ton lorry. It is not possible to give precise revenue figures for these categories of vehicle separately
§ Mr. JayAre not these also rather striking figures? Is it not remarkable that over a period when the cost of living and wages and salaries generally have risen at least 50 per cent. these taxes have hardly risen at all? May not this fact throw some light both on the congestion of our roads and on the loss of traffic by the railways?
§ Mr. MacmillanIt is extremely difficult to deduce from these figures the precise effect on the congestion on the roads. The right hon. Gentleman is doubtless aware of the studies being made of this subject, and it is primarily a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport. The right hon. Gentleman will not expect me at this time of year to comment on rates of duty.
§ Mr. JayNevertheless, will the hon. Member and his colleagues ponder on these figures, even at this time?
§ Mr. MacmillanI think it is fair to say that a t this time we are pondering on these figures and on other similar figures almost to the exclusion of everything else.