§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Transport whether, in his consideration of the possibility of a new road licensing system, he will consider a nominal registration fee for the vehicle payable at any post office and recovering the lost revenue as a tax on petrol; and whether he will cause an investigation into the saving to the Exchequer on administrative costs by using this system.
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§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeMy right hon. Friend is not considering the abolition of vehicle excise duty. A thorough review of its operation was undertaken last year and, as my right hon. Friend announced on 30 November, the duty is being retained and its administration improved, because of the unfair effects of abolition on high-mileage rural and business users.