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Used Duty-free Oil in Lorries: Big Fines

7th November 1958
Page 56
Page 56, 7th November 1958 — Used Duty-free Oil in Lorries: Big Fines
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

WHILE checking the purchase of oil

• VV made by a gravel company, a Customs and Excise officer discovered that between February and October, 1957, fuel liable to duty had been bought only once, although the concern ran two lorries. This was stated at 'Whittlesey, Cambs, on Monday, when the Northey Gravel Works Co., Ltd., and a director, Charles Dale, were each fined a total of £92.

The company admitted four charges of using duty-free oil in their vehicles, and Dale—vice-chairman of Whittlesey Urban District Council—pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting.

Mr. P. Cussen, prosecuting, said the company kept a stock of duty-free oil for use in tractors and stationary machines, but no stock for the lorries. After the officer's inspections Dale was questioned and said drivers were instructed to buy fuel from garages. However, the drivers later stated that they had not bought any outside.

Subsequently, Dale admitted that the vehicles had used duty-free oil for local sand and gravel deliveries and for taking gravel from the pits to the screening plant. He said he had not realized that the lorries were using this fuel on outside deliveries and as soon as it came to his notice he made arrangements for proper fuel to be supplied.

Mr. Cussen added that about 1,300 gallons of duty-free fuel had been consumed during the period, on which duty would have been £162.

Mr. G. Taylor, defending, pointed out that an offer to pay the duty had been rejected because the Commissioners preferred to prosecute. Dale had freely admitted the. offences, but the reason behind them was that he had left too much to his employees.

The magistrates imposed fines of £23 on each of the eight charges, with £5 5s. costs.