§ Mr. Hugh Bayley (York)I rise to present a petition to the House about a matter which has enraged many British citizens: the imposition of VAT on fuel. It has enraged British citizens because the Government specifically promised in the last election campaign that they would not widen the scope of VAT. The petition reads:
To the Honourable the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Parliament assembled.The humble petition of the people of YorkShewethThat the Government intends to impose VAT on domestic fuel bills, which will greatly add to the hardship suffered by those on low incomes or with special heating needs.Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your honourable House will urge the Chancellor of the Exchequer to remove from the Finance Bill currently being considered by the House the proposals to add VAT to domestic fuel bills.109And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray.The petition is signed by Mr. A. Kelly of Tennyson Avenue, York, and by many others of my constituents.
§ To lie upon the Table.