HC Deb 28 November 1994 vol 250 c1050 11.34 pm
Mr. Alan Simpson (Nottingham, South)

I wish to present a petition from a further 450 of my constituents, in addition to the 2,200 signatures that I have already submitted, and to add to the 300,000 signatures that have been collected nationally in opposition to the increase of VAT on domestic fuel and power.

The petition reads: The Petition of the constituents of Nottingham, South declares that the decision to increase VAT on domestic fuel and power from 8 per cent. to 17.5 per cent. in April 1995 breaks election promises and is unfair, hitting those who can least afford it. The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons pass legislation to stop the increase on VAT on domestic fuel and power going ahead. To lie upon the Table.

Mr. William O'Brien (Normanton)

I wish to present a petition on behalf of my constituents, in addition to a number of petitions that have been submitted recently and the many cards that have been received condemning the Government's proposal to increase VAT on domestic fuel.

The petition states: The Petition of citizens of the United Kingdom declares that the Government's decision to increase VAT on domestic fuel from 8 per cent. to 17.5 per cent. in 1995 will place a heavy financial burden on Pensioners and others on low incomes which they will find hard to meet. The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons vote down the proposed increase. And the Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. The petition was collected by my constituent, Mr. G.A. Mawson.

To lie upon the Table.