Budget Disappoints Road Transport
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WIDESPREAD disappointment has V, been caused by the failure of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to seize the opportunity in the Budget of reducing the cost of living by cutting taxation on road transport. The following views were expressed by national organizations:
Road Haulage Association: It is to be regretted that the Chancellor has not seen fit to cut fuel tax. This would have enabled hauliers to keep prices down and take their part in the tight against inflation.
Passenger Vehicle Operators Association: The Budget was deplorable. For another year, the bus industry must try to avoid being priced out of existence, without incentive or practical help in its endeavour to maintain essential services.
Traders' Road Transport Association: There is regret and disappointment that the Chancellor has not reduced fuel tax or purchase tax on goods-vehicle chassis. Lower duties would clearly have assisted stabilization of prices.
British Road Federation: In view of the Chancellor's expressed desire to curb inflation, it is lamentable that the fuel tax, which is reflected in the price of every commodity, has not been reduced. There must he a limit to how long this burden can be carried.
Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders: The motor industry is more than sorry to learn that the Budget contains nothing to assist it to raise its production and increase its sales. . There is a very strong case for the total exemption of goods-vehicle chassis from purchase tax. It is an utter absurdity that what are virtually tools of trade should be subjected to price inflation by this tax.
H.P. SALES DROP
THE credit squeeze has had a marked effect on the sale of new and used commercial vehicles by hire, purchase. The Board of Trade' announced yesterday that last October's index figure of 127 for new hirepurchase business in commercial vehicles fell to 117 in November and
100 in December. In January this year, however, it rose again to 126 Twenty-one per cent. of the total new business financed by finance houses in December related to new and used commercial vehicles.
The Board of Trade began a monthly inquiry into hire-purchase trade last October.
" C.M." HELP RECOGNIZED
TRIBUTE was paid to The Com' inertial Motor for its help in connection with the Portsmouth commercial-vehicle rally, in the annual report of the Portsmouth Accident Prevention Council, presented on Tuesday.
The competition attracted 146 entrants, of whom 18 took part in the final contest at Bramcote.
BEN MEMBERSHIP UP -114EMBERSHIP of the Motor and IVI Cycle Trades Benevolent Fund rose by 971 to a total of 15,506 last year. A sum of £29,206 was paid id relief. In the Fund's annual report, it is noted that Lord Nuffield's benevolences in various fields have exceeded £28m