§ 14. Mr. Ashtonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his policy regarding fiscal methods designed to reduce the consumption of petrol.
§ Dr. GilbertI would refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend's Budget Statement.
§ Mr. AshtonDoes not my hon. Friend agree that it is now an anachronism that the £25 road fund licence fee should be applicable to all vehicles? Would it not be better to abolish it altogether and put a little more on petrol so as to help workers in rural areas, where there are no bus services, to afford to be able to drive their cars to their places of work?
§ Dr. GilbertThat point will be studied carefully. The consequences of removing the VED licence would be reflected in higher petrol charges, which would also affect people in rural areas.
§ Mr. CostainIn the Chancellor's deliberations, did he give any thought to the effect that the increased rate of VAT on petrol would have on the disabled, who have to use private transport to get to work? To offset this, what relief does he propose to give to disabled drivers?
§ Dr. GilbertAll these considerations were borne in mind by my right hon. Friend. Any assistance to disabled drivers is the direct responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services.