§ 9. Mr. Amessasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will introduce legislation to provide tax relief at the basic rate on season tickets.
§ Mr. BrookeNo, Sir.
§ Mr. AmessAlthough 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. BrookeAs 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. SnapeDoes 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. BrookeI 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.