HC Deb 06 November 1986 vol 103 c1076
9. Mr. Amess

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will introduce legislation to provide tax relief at the basic rate on season tickets.

Mr. Brooke

No, Sir.

Mr. Amess

Although I am fully aware of the enormous pressure that the Treasury is under to give such assistance, does my hon. Friend appreciate the attractiveness of such a proposal for the hard-pressed commuter who faces increasing transport costs? Does my hon. Friend agree that if he undertook such a proposal it might lead to a reduction in the amount of traffic on our roads?

Mr. Brooke

As 2½ per cent. of the entire country's work force commutes to my constituency daily, I am familiar with the problem, but the expense of home-to-work travel has never been allowable for tax relief. Where people live has been regarded as a personal decision, so travel has been regarded as a personal expense.

Mr. Snape

Does the Minister agree that the proposal is eminently reasonable, socially desirable and would bring some much-needed equalisation into the Exchequer's treatment of various forms of motor transport — three reasons for probable disqualification in the eyes of the Chancellor?

Mr. Brooke

I answered the question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Basildon (Mr. Amess) with the words, "No, Sir." and I give the hon. Gentleman the same answer.