§ Mr. HigginsI beg to move, Amendment No. 184, in page 99, line 45, at end insert:
'(3) In section 4(1)(g) of the Vehicles (Excise) Act 1971 (vehicles not exceeding eight hundredweight for invalids) for the word "eight" there shall be substituted the word "ten" '.The object of the Amendment is to raise the weight limit below which invalid vehicles are exempted from the payment of vehicles excise duty from 8 cwt. to 10 cwt. Improvements currently being made to the standard Department of Health and Social Security three-wheeler—improved engine, heating arrangements and soundproofing—will bring the vehicle above the present weight criterion of 8 cwt. It is obviously undesirable—indeed, it is not the Government's intention—that the introduction of these improvements should be the occasion of any loss of entitlement to the long-standing vehicle excise duty exemption for this type of vehicle. The Amendment therefore raises the qualifying weight limit from 8 cwt to 10 cwt.The figure of 10 cwt has been chosen so as to allow sufficient margin for special modifications which may be required to the standard model to meet the needs of individual cases.
§ Mr. DalyellIs this a sign that the Treasury has taken the hint and resumed communication with the Department of Health and Social Security?
§ Mr. HigginsIf I may reply, with the leave of the House, the lion. Gentleman has constantly asked us, throughout the proceedings on the Bill, what consultations we have had. He has constantly asserted, following the remarks we have made, that consultations have not taken place. I assure him that communications between the Treasury and the Department of Health and Social Security, as with all other Departments, are altogether excellent.
§ Amendment agreed to.