§ Mr. ROWNTREEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of horse hackney carriages licensed for the years 1912 and 1900, respectively; and whether, in view of the fact that the revenue from this branch of the industry is decreasing, and also in view of the fact that it taxes a body of men who are suffering from the severe competition of mechanical vehicles, he will consider the advisability of abolishing this impost?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThe numbers of horse-drawn and motor hackney carriages were not distinguished in the Reports of the Board of Inland Revenue till 1903, but there were probably very few of the latter in 1900. The numbers of licences issued for hackney carriages in the three years 1899–1900, 1903, and 1911–12, were:—44W
Horse-drawn. Motor. Financial year 1899–1900 126,934 Calendar year 1903 127,410 5,345 Financial year 1911–12 105,272 34,869 As regards the latter part of the question, I have received various representations which are under consideration.