Wider Review of Fuel Tax Relief Needed
Page 31
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
rONTRACT and private hire opera
tions which carry workmen and schoolchildren and which, technically, do not come under the head of stage carriage services, should be included in the current discussions between the bus operating industry and the Ministry of Transport to evolve a method for granting rebate on the 6d. additional fuel tax. This was stated by Mr. T. Robert Williams, presiding at the annual general meeting of the East Kent Road Car Co. Ltd. last week in the absence of the chairman, Mr. R. P. Beddow.
Mr. Williams continued by drawing attention to the fact that East Kent was a seasonal company and operated a large number of express services and excursions. He understood that there was to be no rebate in respect of these operations. which amounted to 31 per cent of the total mileage, and costs to that degree would have to be increased. A further and substantial increase in costs would follow as a result of the increase in the contributions payable in respect of the State pension scheme, he continued. This was estimated at about £17,000 per annum.
During the year under review the company had introduced 42 new vehicles, comprising 20 72-seat, forward-entrance double-deckers. 1049-seat service coaches, and 12 34-seal touring coaches.