asked the Minister for Finance if and when he proposes to ease the heavy burden placed on motorists by the 50 per cent. increase in horse-power taxation—an impost which was originally declared a temporary measure.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Motor Taxation.
Motor taxation, in common with other taxation, will be considered in connection with the next budget. The Deputy will appreciate I could not indicate in advance what changes, if any, may be made in existing rates.
Surely it is not the Minister's intention to perpetuate this intolerable burden on motorists?
I am sorry the Deputy was not in the House when the burden was imposed. It was imposed by the Deputy's Government.
It is being perpetuated by the Minister.
Carried on by me, yes.
It was originally a temporary measure.
The Deputy in his question says that it was originally declared to be a temporary measure. I can find in the Dáil debates no such reference.
I think I can.
Perhaps the Deputy would let me have it.
Surely the Minister will try to evolve some method of adjusting the burden so as to ease the impost on people who have to use their cars for their work.
Would the Deputy make a suggestion as to the substitute?
I would. I would suggest something in the way of giving petrol at a specified rate to people who have to use their cars on particular numbers of coupons.
I want substitute suggestions for taxation to replace this method.
Why could the Minister not print it, as he used to suggest?
Surely the Minister can devise some other trick-of-the-loop method of raising revenue, such as white flour?
I am glad to hear it described as a trick-of-the-loop method.
Does the Deputy want the budget on the instalment system?