HC Deb 29 February 1940 vol 357 cc2266-7W
Mr. Adamson

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that delay in the issue of licences for mechanically-propelled vehicles has arisen recently due to applicants sending the amounts stated on Form R.F.1a; whether he will state the reason why those forms have not been withdrawn from circulation; and whether he will have them replaced by forms with the new tables of amounts due for licences?

Captain Wallace

I am aware that difficulty arose in January because some applicants for licences sent amounts of duty calculated in accordance with last year's rates for private vehicles. Amended application forms showing the new rates of duty had been prepared and were made available in good time before 1st January, and I hope that there will be no further difficulty.

Mr. Adamson

asked the Minister of Transport whether the change made in the issue of licences for mechanically-propelled vehicles at post offices for less than the full year was advertised to any great extent; and whether he will state the reason for such an alteration?

Captain Wallace

I assume that the hon. Member refers to the fact that licences for private cars and motor-cycles have not been obtainable at post offices during the first quarter of this year, and I am glad to have this opportunity of clearing up any misapprehension. There has been no change in procedure. Post offices have never done more than issue renewal licences for the same period and the same amount of duty as for the expiring licences, that is "like for like." As the rates of duty were changed this year, the licences could not be renewed at post offices, but next month it will be possible for the motorist or the motor-cyclist who holds a licence for the first quarter of this year to renew it at a post office.

The fact that licences for private cars and cycles would not be obtainable at post offices in January last owing to the change in the rate of duty was duly announced in the Press, and I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the Press notice issued by my Department. An announcement about the position for the Easter quarter is being made to-day, and notices are being displayed in all licence-issuing post offices.