asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider the possibility of revising the present method of taxing motor cars, which presses unduly hard on people of limited income and on commercial and professional men, and whether he could see his way to increase the tax on petrol or place a tax on original price of car in lieu of the present arrangement?

The Government are always prepared to consider any practical suggestion put forward for the reform of the system of motor taxation, but no new method yet suggested has on consideration been found superior to the existing method.

Is the Minister aware that this method was in force for three or four years, and it was found practicable? Why is it not found practicable now?

It may have been found practicable, but is not as good as the existing system, in our view.

What is the standard of comparison for goodness?

The existing system is the most satisfactory from the point of view of collection and administration and for fairness of incidence.

And revenue.

What is the approximate cost of administration?

That is a separate question.

Is the Minister aware that great stress is laid on this particular point in the country at the moment? Could he give any undertaking that he will revise the system on the next Budget?

I could not. I have given very careful consideration several times to the matter.