HC Deb 18 December 1972 vol 848 c293W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer which countries in the European Economic Community allow commuters to make fares to and from work an allowance against tax.

Mr. Nott

Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will encourage dispersal from the main centres by proposing tax allowances for commuters in the light of rising fares.

Mr. Nott

No. It would be wrong to single out this particular form of personal expenditure for tax relief. In any case, it is not Government policy that individuals should be encouraged to live at greater distances from their work.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the estimated cost to the Exchequer of allowing fares to and from work as a deduction from tax.

Mr. Nott

No reliable estimate is possible, but the cost could be substantial and the administrative problems would be formidable.