§ 3. Mr. Spriggsasked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about the proposed increase in vehicle taxation for very heavy lorries.
§ Mr. HoramWe have received eight representations on the taxation of heavy lorries. These covered assessment of social, environmental and road costs, and the timing of any changes.
§ Mr. SpriggsIs my hon. Friend aware that this year's Finance Bill contains no proposals to increase taxation for these 173 very heavy vehicles? When does he expect the aims of his own White Paper to eliminate subsidies for these very heavy vehicles to be achieved?
§ Mr. HoramI should not expect my hon. Friend to see an increase in road haulage taxation every year. There were increases in previous Budgets, which did something to bring revenue and costs into balance, which is the objective of Government policy. As for when we expect ultimately to get a fully equal system, I might say that we hope to bring in the proper taxation of laden weight and axle configuration in about 1979–80.