FUEL DUTY AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Early day motion 39, tabled 6 December 2000 by Joan Ruddock (Labour). Signed by 105 members.

That this House welcomes the Government's commitment to reform the tax system to increase incentives to reduce environmental damage; recognises the important role that the fuel duty has played in meeting this commitment; welcomes the Chancellor's proposals to reduce the environmental impact of hauliers and establish a green fuel challenge fund; recognises that some motorists are finding it hard to cope with the increased cost of fuel; and urges the Government to continue reforming the fiscal system in order to encourage fuel efficiency, promote the use of alternative cleaner fuels and hasten the shift towards zero-emission fuels by means, for example, of further reducing vehicle excise duty for the most fuel efficient cars, substantially increasing research and development grants into fuel cell technology, increasing financial incentives for motorists and hauliers to buy vehicles powered by liquid petroleum gas and introducing measures to increase the availability and use of bio-diesel.

Signatures by party: Labour 75, Liberal Democrat 21, Labour/Co-operative 8, Plaid Cymru 1.