FUEL TAX CONCESSIONS FOR SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS

Early day motion 1572, tabled 6 February 2006 by Angus MacNeil (Scottish National Party). Signed by 18 members.

That this House recalls that more tax is paid on a litre of fuel in the Highlands and Islands than in any other area of the United Kingdom; notes the French government's recent decision to allow its regional councils to introduce reduced rates of duty for road fuel consumed within their territories; further notes that this decision was reached with the prior approval of the Council of Ministers, which included Ministers from the United Kingdom Government, and the European Commission to allow this derogation from the Energy Products Directive to permit this measure; expresses astonishment that the United Kingdom Government has refused a request to reduce fuel prices in the Islands of Scotland by three per cent. until 2011 whilst supporting a similar policy by the French government; believes that this refusal shows the Treasury is totally out of touch with the Highlands and Islands of Scotland and has absolutely no idea how high fuel taxes affect areas of Scotland like Na h-Eileanan an Iar; and further believes that since these powers exist to assist regional economies then the United Kingdom Government should consider at least a three per cent. reduction in the rate of duty on petrol and diesel for extension across other areas of the Highlands and Islands.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 8, Scottish National Party 3, Plaid Cymru 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Conservative 1, DUP 1, Labour 1.