§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Transport, in view of the fact that in 1978 it is known that there was between 7 and 9 per cent. evasion of the road fund licence, why action has not been taken to obtain the figures for 1979 and 1980; and whether he will do so and publish details.
§ Mr. FowlerIt would be wrong to take the 1978 survey as establishing precise levels of evasion. It recognised the inherent difficulties of doing so. As I indicated in my reply to the hon. Member on 16 March, I am concentrating on efforts to combat evasion directly.—[Vol. 1, c.41.]
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Transport if, pursuant to his reply on tax on road vehicles of 16 March, he will express as a figure the estimated loss to the Exchequer each year since 1978 of an evasion level of 7 to 9 per cent.; and what amounts may be expected under the tax increase proposed on 10 March in the first year to which such increase applies.
§ Mr. FowlerThe 1978 survey did not purport to estimate evasion precisely; it suggested that evasion for cars could be as high as 7 to 9 per cent. If a similar number of vehicles evaded each year, the relevant figures might be of the order of: 1978–79 £50 million to £63 million; 1979–80 £50 million to £63 million; 1980–81 £60 million to £75 million; 1981–82 £70 million to £88 million. But I have strengthened my Department's enforcement arrangements and I have obtained considerable further assistance from the police in my efforts to cut evasion.