§ Mr. Astorasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that motorists who applied for the renewal of their motor vehicle licences due on 31st March, subsequent to his Budget statement but within 14 days of the expiry of the previous licence, have been charged the new rate of tax; and if he will take steps to remedy this imposition.
§ Mr. Bishopasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to rectify the anomaly as between those who 263W renewed licences for vehicles for periods beginning in April, 1965, at the rate before Budget day, and those who, taking advantage of the 14 days' grace, consequently have to pay at the increased rate.
§ Mr. DiamondThe provisions to which the hon. Members refer ensures equitable treatment between applications for renewal and applications for a first licence in the period from 6th April. The 14 day "grace period" for renewals has no statutory force but local taxation authorities were instructed to renew licences at the pre-Budget rate of duty if a correct application was received before the Budget, and at the post-Budget rate of duty if the application was received after the Budget.