asked the Minister for Local Government what is the explanation of the fall of volume derived from motor taxation from £5,000,000 odd to £3,000,000 odd.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reduction in Motor Taxation Receipts.
42.
There was a decrease of £1,659,235 in 1957 compared with 1956. The primary cause of the decrease appears to have been the scheme of petrol rationing which came into operation on the 1st January, 1957. In order to ensure that they would get petrol coupons a very considerable number of vehicle owners taxed their vehicles in December, 1956, for the succeeding calendar year. Receipts for 1956 were accordingly inflated and those for the calendar year 1957 correspondingly reduced.
May we assume from the Minister's reply that the figure for 1958 is tending to revert to the average of £5,000,000 or thereabouts?
That is correct.