HC Deb 17 January 1968 vol 756 cc1763-5
13. Mr. G. Campbell

asked the Minister of Transport what is the estimated yield from Scotland in a full year of the abnormal loads tax and the wear and tear tax on road vehicles proposed in the Transport Bill.

Mr. John Morris

Separate figures for Scotland are not readily available of the yield from the abnormal loads charge. The annual yield from the wear and tear charge on lorries registered in Scotland is estimated at about £3 million.

Mr. Campbell

Is the Minister aware that it is shocking that he cannot give an estimate for something which he is proposing in a Bill? Is he further aware that, as regards the second figure, it is far too much to ask Scotland to pay for this tax? Will the Minister, although she has made a guarded statement concerning the possibility of exempting Scotland from the abnormal loads tax, now consider an amendment which would exempt Scotland from the wear and tear tax?

Mr. Morris

On the first part of the hon. Gentleman's question, the Ministry only receives notice of the movements of the largest loads. This is why it is not possible to give any accurate estimate of the number of abnormal loads, which the hon. Gentleman wishes. At the same time, my right hon. Friend has given an indication to the House that she will look at this sympathetically in Committee. On the second part of the question, the hon. Member is misconceiving the situation if he suggests that there will be any great difference in the effect of the other charge as it applies to Scotland, or any other part of the country.

Mr. Galbraith

If the hon. Member has no estimate of the yield from the abnormal loads in Scotland for a year, has he been able to calculate the number of orders which involve abnormal loads or bulky loads, and which will be lost to Scotland as a result of these new taxes? Has he any idea of the effect that this will have on unemployment in Scotland?

Mr. Morris

The hon. Gentleman should know better. He is asking a hypothetical question. I have given an indication that my right hon. Friend will look at this sympathetically. In this connection we have received a number of representations from my hon. Friends and hon. Members opposite. We shall look at the situation and submit an equitable proposal to the Committee.

Mr. Mapp

Before my hon. Friend gives too much away in the face of these plausible arguments, may I ask when we shall have the study of road costs? Any giving away of principle to hon. Members opposite must be related to road costing.

Mr. Morris

I can give my hon. Friend an assurance that it will be published in a matter of weeks.