§ Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Minister of Transport what information he has on the wear and tear on roads by heavy lorries as compared to private cars and on the average annual mileage covered by each; and whether he will review licence fees in the light of these factors.
§ Mr. MarplesThere is plenty of practical evidence of the wear and tear caused on roads by heavy lorries but no satisfactory comparisons have yet been made between the wear and tear attributable to heavy lorries and cars in day-to-day use of the roads. Private cars in this country at present cover an average annual mileage of 8,000; lorries186W over 3 tons unladen weight cover an average annual mileage of 20,000.
Any review of vehicle excise licence fees would be a matter for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer within the framework of his general responsibilities for taxation.