27. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give an assurance that the increase of fuel tax by 4d. will be temporary only, for the period of the present emergency, as was done at the time of Suez.
§ Mr. DiamondNo, Sir.
Mr. Gresham CookeDoes that mean that the increase in petrol tax is permanent? If the right hon. Gentleman wants to reduce costs, would not the quickest way be to take the tax off?
§ Mr. DiamondIt means that my right hon. Friend is not prepared to anticipate fiscal changes.
§ Mr. MartenNevertheless, would the right hon. Gentleman get his right hon. Friend to look with a little more sympathy than the Minister of Health did at the question of helping those who have invalid tricycles and have to pay this increased tax?
§ Mr. DiamondMy right hon. Friend has heard what the hon. Member has said.