THE NEW WAR• OFFICE SUBSIDY ScHEME.
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Regulations Regarding the Enrolment of Approved Types of Vehicles.
FURTHER details of the scheme for the subsidizing by the War Office of suitable "types of petrol vehicles employed in civilan work have now been issued. . • It will be remembered that the specification of the vehicle which is desired was published by us in our issue for August 1st, 1922, to which we refer those interested. Its leading features were a maximum chassis weight of 29 cwt.; a minimum loading cepacitye-of 30 cwt:, and a strength of construction which would render the vehicle capable of drawing a trailer in moderately flat country. In addition, the wheels were to be equipped with pneumatic tyres of not less ehan 36 ins. diameter, and the same size front and 'sear, large single Ayres all round being preferred. Beyond stipulating essential, features, .designers were permitted to use their own discretion, provided that the resulting' vehicles could pass satisfactorily the tests conducted by the' War Office. Four makers are already building suitable chassis which have passed the necessary tests, as the result of which the 'War Office has decided to accept these makes, particulars of which are given on another page, for enrolment. • We wish to impress upon owners of commercial vehicles that, at present only the particular makes tested are eligible for the subsidy, although more may be passed at. a later date, and potential purchasers of these Machines should first apply to the makers for particulars, and, if they decide to buy them, apply for copies of the agreement. This is
BIS
merely a legal form, which, we believe, will closely _resemble the former agreement under the subsidy scheme which was in force in 1914.
The amount of the subsidy is not great, being gee for the first year and a similar amount for the -second year if the vehicle be in good condition. The period of the subsidy may be. extended to three years at the option of the War Office if the vehicle has been kept ih such a thorough state of repair as to justify the procedure. It will be impossible to enrol a vehicle for three years straight off. We believe that the old system of inspection at least twice a year will again be put into operation, and the -payment of the subsidy will, of course, depend upon a satisfactory report.
The enrolment of a vehicle entitles the War Office to purchase it at a valuation agreed upon at the time of enrolment; this value would naturally be subject. to deductions, for depreciation.
It is probable that the agreement will include the details of the equipment and standard tool kit, estich must be maintained by owners. Provided that the prices of approved vehicles qualified for the subsidy are not a great deal in excess of ordinary types., there should be a fairly brisk demand for them, embodying, as they do; features of design which should render them very durable in service and easy to maintain. If, on the other hand, the prices are considerably in excess of the existing average, then the amount of the subsidy will not prove a strong attraction to pOtential purchasers.