§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Minister of Transport whether he will state the estimated quantities of imported motor spirit, upon which the Director-General of Roads based his public statement that a flat rate duty of 1s. per gallon would be necessary to produce the requisite revenue; and whether, in arriving at such a figure, he had regard to the increasing consumption of petrol by all classes of motor vehicles, as shown by official returns, the revenue from existing licence duties on private motor vehicles and public service vehicles, horse carriage and motor car drivers' licences, a system of licence duties on steam and electric vehicles, and from a schedule of duties on other commercial and public service vehicles?
§ Mr. NEALThe quantity of imported motor spirit upon which the estimate of a flat rate duty of 1s. per gallon necessary to provide the income required for a full year was based on an annual importation of 146,000,000 gallons. This figure was an estimate derived from returns relating to the number of licences issued during 1919–1920, and the quantity of duty-paying motor spirit imported for the year ending 31st October, 1919. Allowance was made for the estimated increase in the number of motor vehicles and the consequent2208W increased consumption of petrol. Allowance was also made for the estimated revenue from existing licence duties on private motor vehicles and public service vehicles, and from horse carriage and drivers' licences. No allowance was made for any system of licence duties on steam and electric vehicles, nor for any schedule of duties in respect of vehicles on which no tax is at present payable.