Striking Figures' on Vehicle Duty
Page 49

If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
IF motor-vehicle duty had risen during the past 30 years in the Same proportions as the retail price index, the current rate would be £57 10s_ higher for a 2-ton lorry. £161 higher for a 5-tonner and £391 for a 10-tanner.
Mr. Maurice Macmillan, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, who gave these figures to M.P.s this week, said that since 1933 there had been a 20 per cent increase in motor-vehicle duty on these lorries, whilst in the same period the retail-price index had risen about .7,4 t:mes.
" Rather striking figures ", commented Opposition front-bench spokesman Mr. Douglas Jay, and he wondered whether this might not throw some light both on the road congestion and the loss of traffic by the railways.
It was extremely difficult to deduce from these figures the precise effect of the congestion on the roads, replied Mr. Macmillan. Mr. Jay was doubtless aware of the studies being made on this subject and it was primarily a matter for the Minister of Transport.
Tax Abolition Demands THE Chancellor of the Exchequer had
received more than 350 requests for the abolition of fuel tax on public transport vehicles—from councils, bus undertakings and other interests—said Mr. Maurice Macmillan in the Commons.