§ Mr. Boothasked the Secretary of State for Transport what adjustment will be made to the annual licence fee for the heaviest goods vehicles; and whether this will fully offset the increased underpayment of their road track costs arising from the reduction by 10p of the increase in duty on derv.
§ Mr. FowlerThe Budget increases in vehicle excise duty together with the revised increase in the duty on derv produce a small improvement for 1981–82 in the road track cost coverage position of the heaviest lorries compared with 1980–81. Our policy is that all classes of goods vehicle should at least meet their fair share of road costs in motoring taxation. Decisions on the pace at which this objective is achieved are a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.