HC Deb 01 March 1978 vol 945 cc448-9
15. Mr. Fry

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what the fee for a heavy goods vehicle driving test will be in March 1979; what it was 18 months ago; and what percentage increase this represents.

Mr. Horam

The fee a year from now cannot be known with certainty, although we are consulting with the industry on an increase to £33.50. The present fee is £24.

Mr. Fry

Does the Minister agree that although we appreciate that such services have to cover costs, there has been a very large increase in recent years? This conflicts strangely with the constraints on the road haulage industry in restricting its own price increases. This is a very real difficulty.

Mr. Horam

I accept that the increases have been big, taking account of the last one and the one proposed. The one that is proposed, however, does not go beyond the current rate of inflation. It is not out of line with what we consider to be reasonable.

Mr. Ronald Atkins

Will the Minister accede to the wishes of the hon. Member for Wellingborough (Mr. Fry) by increasing the taxation on heavy goods vehicles, as has been recommended frequently?

Mr. Horam

That is a matter for the Chancellor. He took action in the last Budget, and no doubt he will consider it in future Budgets.