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Road Transport Topics in -Parliament

3rd February 1939
Page 78
Page 78, 3rd February 1939 — Road Transport Topics in -Parliament
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

Gas and Steam Vehicles (Excise Duties) Bill was considered in Committee of the House of Commons last week when a series of amendments were submitted by _Mr. Ellis Smith with the object of securing further redaction of the duties on gas and steam vehicles. The Bill was passed through Committee without amendment.

In moving the first amendmert, Mr. Smith reiterated what had been done in other countries to encourage

producer-gas / vehicles. From a scientific and business point of view, he said, one was bound to conclude that this Bill required alterations on the

lines suggested. • The idea was to give road transport an inducement to carry out conversion to home-produced fuel and at the same time to maintain and increase the volume of goods to be carried by road. If the Minister could not accept any of the amendments he hoped he would at least give some concessions.

It would appear on the surface that his amendments would mean a loss in revenue, but on analysis it would be found that they would mean a substantial increase. His proposals would mean a huge saving in petrol. We were importing approximately £90,000,000 worth of petrol a year and there was need for economizing in these imports.

GAS-VEHICLE PETROL RATION TOO SMALL

HE hoped the Minister of Transport would withdraw the letter of January 20, in which it was stated that arrangements had been made for the issue, for producer-gas vehicles, of only one-sixth of the normal basic petrol ration. As a result a vehicle weighing between 10 cwt. and 1 ton would receive two units a fortnight.'

If this policy were carried out, it would discourage people from experirnefiting with conversions to gas and he asked that, at least for six months, he would withdraw that letter.

From the point-of view of national economy the proposals he was laying before the House were a good business proposition. Transport companies should be given_ no excuse for not embarking on the capital expenditure involved as soon as possible.

GENEROUS TREATMENT TO HELP GAS "THE Government, replied Mr. J. Bernays, was as anxious as Members opposite to encourage the use of producer gas and the Minister was particularly anxious to do everything practicable to encourage its grofvth. With regard to the petrol allowance, the Department realized that a small amount was needed to run producergas vehicles and operators of such 1558

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