Lieut.-Colonel L. WARDasked the Minister of Transport if he can inform the House when the Departmental Committee appointed to inquire into the question of motor taxation is likely to issue its Report?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Minister of Transport when the Committee which has been sitting for the past two years on the question of taxation of motor vehicles is likely to issue a Report; whether, owing to the great delay and procrastination of the Committee, an interim Report can be issued; whether the Report which had been promised in time for last year's Budget will be in time for its provisions to be incorporated in this year's Budget; and to what circumstances is the delay due?
§ Mr. GOSLINGThe Departmental Committee commenced its sittings at the end of January, 1922, and I cannot agree that there has been any procrastination or avoidable delay on their part. The length of the inquiry has been entirely due to the complexity of the subject under investigation. I am informed that the Committee have completed the taking of evidence on the tax on motor spirit. The Committee are now considering other matters coming within their terms of reference, and. I cannot say when their report will be available. I will consult with the Chairman of the Committee as to the desirability of the issue of an Interim Report.