Tax Campaign Becomes Political Question
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" I WILL not be a party to misleading
I the public in this matter. I am completely in favour of a reduction in the tax, but there are proper methods to do it."
With these words, ClIr. F. Bidston, chairman of Liverpool Transport Committee, refused at a recent meeting of the city council to support a Socialist " propaganda campaign" for a reduction in fuel tax.
It was revealed that the transport department was paying £450,000 a year in fuel tax, and that the annual wage bill had increased by more than Ulm. since 1945.
Socialist members contended that if the tax were reduced there could be a reduction in fares. more bus shelters could be provided and that the tram conversion programme could be speeded up.
At last week's meeting of Haltemprice Urban District Council, a motion that they should support East Yorkshire Motor Services, Ltd., in their fight against the tax was referred back.
ClIr. W. F. Jackson expressed the view that they should not support a private company "concerned with their own profits," but that they should uphold the travelling public. Replying, Cllr. A. R. Hardcastle pointed out that the whole country—not just one company—was affected by the tax_ Birkenhead Transport Committe have intimated their intention of supporting the anti-tax campaign.