HIGH FUEL PRICES

Early day motion 71, tabled 15 May 2012 by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Social Democratic and Labour Party). Signed by 25 members.

That this House is concerned that the Government is failing to mitigate high fuel prices; notes the financial pain that fuel poverty is causing people, especially in regions with large rural areas and a lack of large supermarkets; acknowledges that this problem is exacerbated by differential pricing practices from large retailers; further notes with concern that high fuel prices can bring particular problems for the elderly and young people, causing them to become socially and economically dislocated; further notes that excessive fuel prices hurt local businesses, are inimical to growth and that lowering the cost of duty would be revenue-neutral for HM Treasury; further acknowledges that fuel prices in Northern Ireland are particularly high; and calls on the Government to alleviate the burden for those struggling with the soaring cost of petrol.

Signatures by party: Labour 10, DUP 7, Conservative 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Alliance 1, Independent 1, Liberal Democrat 1, Plaid Cymru 1.