HC Deb 28 April 1966 vol 727 cc41-2W
5. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why an instruction has been issued to the Metropolitan Police that, as evasion of the payment of the road fund licence is now so prevalent, no action should be taken against those evading this form of taxation.

Mr. Taverne

The Commissioner informs me that no such instruction has been issued.

Under the Vehicles (Excise) Act 1962, it is for the appropriate county or county borough council to institute proceedings and the police may do so only with their consent. The Metropolitan Police report cases that come to their attention to the appropriate local authority.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in the period from January to March 1966, how many prosecutions were initiated by the Metropolitan Police against persons using road vehicles without a current road fund licence; what results were achieved; and how these figures compare with the same period in 1965.

Mr. Taverne

For the reason I have given in reply to my hon. Friend's previous Question, no proceedings for this offence were undertaken by the Metropolitan Police during either period. During the period December 1965 to February 1966 particulars of 29,656 apparently unlicensed vehicles seen on the road by the Metropolitan Police were reported to the appropriate licensing authorities.