HC Deb 13 December 2000 vol 359 c629
8. Mr. James Gray (North Wiltshire)

What recent representations he has received with regard to the cost of petrol in Wales. [142008]

The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Paul Murphy)

I have received representations on the cost of petrol in Wales from a range of organisations and individuals.

Mr. Gray

May I ask the Minister a simple, factual question, which I hope is incapable of producing spin or waffle? What was the average price of a gallon of petrol in rural Wales in 1997, and what is the price today?

Mr. Murphy

I am trying to work out the rate for a gallon of petrol from the price per litre, but it is about 82p to 90p depending on where in rural Wales one buys it.

Hon. Members

Answer the question.

Mr. Speaker

Order.

Mr. Simon Thomas (Ceredigion)

Following the point made by the Secretary of State, may I ask him about the double tax that people in rural Wales are paying on petrol?

Mr. Gray

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I asked the Secretary of State for the price of petrol in 1997. I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Gentleman is using the wrong wording. Perhaps he should have a word with one of his hon. Friends who can give him the proper wording.

Mr. Thomas

Further to the point that the Secretary of State made about the price of petrol in rural areas, will he comment on the double tax that many people in those areas are paying? They are paying not only the tax that the Government impose, but the tax that the petrol companies impose for transporting petrol those distances. Rural garages buy their petrol wholesale at a more expensive price than urban garages sell it for. What can he do to address that problem, so that people in rural areas pay a similar price for their petrol to those in urban areas?

Mr. Murphy

The hon. Gentleman is aware that in the last pre-Budget report my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer introduced a number of measures relating to the cost of petrol and diesel and vehicle excise duties. As a result of the combination of those two measures, there has been a cut of 8p a litre in diesel for hauliers and 4p a litre in petrol for car users. That applies in both urban and rural areas, so it is good news for the people of Wales.