§ 54. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will give, for the longest and most convenient period of time, the actual or estimated amounts of tax the Treasury has been losing by motorists failing to pay their road vehicle licence; what action has been taken or is intended to see that all vehicles on the road carry a road fund licence in accordance with the law; and whether he will ensure that such action is taken before the proposed increases in the road fund licence are implemented.
§ Mr. FowlerA 1978 survey suggested an evasion level of some 7 to 9 per cent. I have strengthened my Department's enforcement arrangements and I have obtained considerable further assistance from the police in my efforts to cut evasion. The increases in vehicle excise duty announced by my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 10 March are already being applied.