§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the taxi drivers in London have to wait about three months before they get paid back the rebate on motor petrol; and if he can see his way clear to have the rebate money paid when the taxi drivers present their bills showing the amount of spirit purchased?
Mr. McKINNON WOODI am informed that the facts are not as stated in the first paragraph of the question. As regards the majority of taxicab drivers in London, no inconvenience to the men can arise from the cause mentioned in the question, because arrangements for payment of the duty are made with the employers. Claims for repayment of duty cannot be immediately dealt with, as suggested in the second paragraph, owing to the necessity of verifying the fact that duty has been paid to the Crown, and also of rectifying errors that are frequently made in claiming rebate.