§ 17. Mr. Knoxasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what representations he has received concerning the proposed phasing out of vehicle excise duty.
§ Mr. Robert SheldonI have received representations from organisations representing motorists, petrol retailers, general retail traders, rural motorists and tourist interests, and non-road users of petrol. I have also received letters from about 60 private individuals.
§ Mr. KnoxWill the Government reconsider the decision to phase out the vehicle excise licence? Does not the Minister realise that it will adversely affect financially many of my constituents who live in rural areas, many of whom are not well off?
§ Mr. SheldonI am aware of many of these points. They were debated last year. Some recent estimates precisely on this matter have been made by the Department of Transport which suggest that a private rural motorist on the average annual mileage should find his motoring costs increased by only about 3p per week and that about 50 per cent. of private rural motorists will break even or gain from the changeover. This is a lengthy period of changeover. Discussions may take place on the documents that will be issued in due course.