§ Sir A. SPROTasked the Minister of Transport if he will consider the points raised by the county council of Fife and the county councils' association as to the proposed collection of duties and fees for road vehicles' and drivers' licences after 1st January and the loss in revenue, of about £1,500 annually in the case of Fife, due to the cessation of the issue of the registration of cars and the issue of drivers' licences and also the increased cost of staffs entailed on the county by the new system; and if he will take care that these points are considered in connection with the Roads Bill or other legislation or orders on the subject?
§ Mr. A. NEALThe representations referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend have been carefully considered. As regards the expenses incurred by county councils, in connection with the collection of the duties and with registration, I would refer my hon. Friend to the Government Amendments to paragraph (a) of Clause 3 (3) of the Roads Bill. These meet as far as possible the points raised by the County Councils' Association. As regards the loss in revenue directly accruing to county councils, I would point out that, after the prior charges have been met, the Road Fund will in effect be distributed to local authorities in relief of the rates raised for highway purposes.