PETROL TAX DELAYED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19792, 12 November 1927, Page 10

PETROL TAX DELAYED.

CONCESSION TO DEALERS.

LEVY ON FUTURE IMPORTS.

SHIPMENTS AFTER NOVEMBER 8.

* LOSS OF £60,000 OR £70,000

[BY TELEGRAM.—SPECIAL REPOBTBft.} WELLINGTON. Friday

The application of the petrol tax has been postponed by a clause added to the Motor Spirits Taxation Bill during the Committee stage in the House of Representatives this evening. As a result of the amendment, the duty will not be imposed on shipments which left the country of export on or before last Tuesday, November 8. When the amendment was introduced, the Prime Minister explained that it was designed to meet the case of the small importers who had made representations that, holding only small stocks of petrol imported before the duty came into force, they would not be ablo to retain their customers against the competition of the companies with large stocks held in bulk storage.

*Mr Coates said it was estimated that the delay in the imposition of the duty would involve a loss of revenue of £60,000 or £70,000.

He added that the question/had been examined very thoroughly and he paid a tribute to the manner in which the representatives of bulk arid case-oil traders had discussed the position among themselves and with the Government. He was assured there was no idea of taking advantage of the public and that the importers were trying to do the. fair thing. As far as he knew, tho duty was not being charged on any petrol being sold to the public.

By an amendment of the Motor Vehicles Act, the annual licence fees of comrtiercial lorries and buses have been reduced.