§ 7. Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will undertake in his Budget statement to propose the abolition of the increase in charges on the road haulage industry imposed since October, 1964.
§ Mr. Maurice MacmillanI have noted my hon. Friend's suggestion.
§ Mr. Bruce-GardyneI thank my right hon. Friend for that not unexpected reply. Is he aware that the huge increases in taxation on this industry imposed by the Labour Government have done disproportionate damage to the economy of Scotland and that the reversal of these increases would give disproportionate advantage to the economy of Scotland? Does he not agree that the only explanation for the failure of the Labour Party to support representations we have made on this point is a remarkably sordid collective guilty conscience?
§ Mr. MacmillanI have noted my hon. Friend's specific suggestion as well as his more general suggestion. There has been a large increase both in the tonnage carried and in the ton-mileage performed by the road haulage industry, and it is essential that resources used for transport, whether road or rail, should show a proper return.