HC Deb 10 April 1968 vol 762 cc1348-9
12. Mr. G. Campbell

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of the extra costs to local authorities in Scotland of the proposed additional licence charges on road vehicles and the increase in fuel duty.

Dr. Dickson Mabon

It is not practicable to make an estimate at this stage.

Mr. Campbell

Does not the Minister of State agree that extra transport costs are felt more acutely in Scotland than elsewhere in Britain? Will the Secretary of State be a member of the new inner Cabinet, where he may be able to press this point?

Mr. Ross

Oh dear, oh dear.

Dr. Mabon

In other circumstances relative to part of the Bill we have been discussing, the answer to the first part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question may have been "Yes". But now the answer is "No". On the second part, my right hon. Friend has distinguished himself by the way in which he has fought for Scotland in all circumstances.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Does my hon. Friend realise that these changes are damaging not only to local authorities but to all the industries in North-East Scotland which use road transport for the purposes of their business? Would he take steps to do something about the matter?

Dr. Mabon

I do not wish to anticipate the debates on the Finance Bill. But these are fundamentally British taxes—they are not specifically Scottish taxes—and I am sure that they are much more acceptable than they would be if distance were so involved.

Mr. Noble

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that they are totally unacceptable in Scotland? This is the second or third time that this form of tax has added increased burdens to all costs in Scotland.

Dr. Mabon

All taxes add burdens, all taxes are unpopular. The right hon. Gentleman and his colleagues imposed similar taxes, although—[Interruption.] The right hon. Gentleman should pursue the matter with the appropriate Minister if he thinks that I am wrong. My recollection of the Opposition's days in office is that they did the same. Taxes have to be raised in present circumstances and these seem appropriate ways of doing it.