§ Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether his attention has been called to the recommendations contained in the Report of the National Transportation Committee of the United States to the effect that in the taxation of transport only such taxes should be levied as are just and will not handicap free competition; and whether he will follow a similar policy in any changes in the taxation of road vehicles in the forthcoming Budget?
1365W(2) Whether he is aware that the recent Report of the American Joint Committee of Railroads and Highways Users recommends that motor vehicles should contribute in taxation the entire cost of the state highway system of 328,000 miles, but only a part of the cost of local roads, amounting to over 3,000,000 miles; and whether he will be guided by similar principles in making any alteration in the existing taxation of motor vehicles in this country?
Mr. CHAMBERLAIN:As regards the first parts of the questions, I am aware of the reports to which my hon. Friend refers. As regards the second parts, I must ask him to await the Budget statement