Oral Answers to Questions — British Army. – in the House of Commons at on 12 December 1939.
Captain Leonard Plugge
, Rochester Chatham
asked the Chancellor of the exchequer whether, for the assistance of the revenue and for public convenience, he will consider permitting motorists who motor only at week-ends to pay a proportion only of the horsepower tax during the winter quarter when otherwise their cars would be entirely laid up?
Mr John Simon
, Spen Valley
I am not satisfied that any such proposal would assist the revenue, and in view of the practical difficulties involved both in the issue of the licences and in enforcement of the conditions to be attached thereto, I am afraid that cannot see my way to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.
The chancellor of the exchequer is the government's chief financial minister and as such is responsible for raising government revenue through taxation or borrowing and for controlling overall government spending.
The chancellor's plans for the economy are delivered to the House of Commons every year in the Budget speech.
The chancellor is the most senior figure at the Treasury, even though the prime minister holds an additional title of 'First Lord of the Treasury'. He normally resides at Number 11 Downing Street.
