INCREASED TAXES

Hokitika Guardian, 27 April 1939, Page 5

INCREASED TAXES

. BRITISH BUDGET

FAVOURABLE comment* (United Press . Association—By Electriq Telegraph—Copyright). LONDON,: April 25. An Automobile Association official said the taxation on motor vehicles and fuel in, 1937-38 yielded more than £84,700,000. It was estimated that on the existing scale the yield would be £93,000,000 for 1938-39. Cars, he said, were no longer a luxury, and must be used for business purposes. . V ' ‘ ' A tobacco expert expressed the opinion that the increase' in 'duty would cause people to turn increasingly to Empire tobacco, which would still enjoy the preference of 2s per lb duty. 1 A Targe firm of photographic dealers said that on the shilling roll film favoured by amateurs the duty' would be increased .by 3d not 2d ,as the Chancellor of the, Exchequer estimated. City circles regard, the Budget as favourable,. except for the increase, in tobacco and motor taxes, although in the case of motors/ it is believed’ that it 'is the intention to divert, motor manufacturing to armaments. The increase applies . only-' to private <jars. The fact that the Government has] not increased income tax'is regarded as a bull point for Ousiness; *. | s : ' It is generally believed that Itfie Chancellor ' has distributed the burden of taxation as fairly-as possible. Tlie Automobile.:. Association, in* a statement said :- “It is difficult to see wliat. justification /there, is for the severe blow to motorists. Tobacco manufacturers state that they wil pass on the ' duty to the conslumer. Vy v . Photographic manufacturers state that the tax is so unexpected that it is impossible to visualise the results.