§ Mr. Roger Kingasked the Secretary of State for Transport what is his latest estimate of the amount of unpaid vehicle excise duty.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe most recent available estimate of the extent of evasion of vehicle excise duty was made following a survey conducted by my Department in 1977–78. The survey indicated a level of evasion of 7 to 9 per cent. for cars and 10 to 13 per cent. for goods vehicles and motor cycles. Evasion at this level in 1982–83 would have resulted in a loss of revenue of £135 million to £174 million.