asked the Minister for the Environment the number of persons employed by local authorities who are engaged in the administration of the road tax system for motor vehicles; the total cost in a full year of employing such persons; and the estimated revenue in a full year from motor registration and road tax charges.
Written Answers. - Road Tax System.
350.
The number of persons permanently employed in the 29 motor taxation offices administered by local authorities is 317. Temporary staff are recruited from time time as the need arises. The duties of the staff mentioned include the processing and issuing of driving licences and a breakdown of the staff specifically engaged in the administration of the road tax system on the lines requested by the Deputy is, accordingly, not available.
The total cost in 1976 of employing such persons was £1,123,675. This figure is based on provisional returns and may be subject to minor amendment on the completion of audits. The amount of vehicle excise duty, including driving licence fees, collected in 1976 was £36,820,000. Of this amount it is estimated that £1,834,000 related to driving licence fees giving a net figure of £34,986,000 approximately in relation to motor registration and road tax charges.