§ Mr. LAMBasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether his Department has tested any meter for recording the mileage travelled by mechanically-propelled vehicles with a view to the taxation of such vehicles on the basis of use made of the highways; if so, whether such test was satisfactory; and, if not, whether he will consider the advisability of making such a test before any fresh decision is reached in regard to the basis of taxation of mechanically-propelled vehicles?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Even assuming that satisfactory mileage recorders exist, it is not considered that they could be used with advantage for taxation purposes, owing to practical and administrative difficulties. I shall be glad, however, to submit any detailed proposals which may be forwarded to me to the Departmental Committee for their consideration.