§ Mr. Peter Duncan (Galloway and Upper Nithsdale) (Con)The voice of rural Dumfries and Galloway has not always been heard by this Government, but wind of this petition has clearly blown across Parliament square to the Treasury. Faced with the signatures of thousands of my constituents, the Chancellor announced late today another postponement in the proposed 2p a litre rise in tax on petrol and diesel. That increase displays callous disregard for rural motorists and their anger on this issue cannot be put aside; it must be acted on.
§ The petition states:
§ To the House of Commons,
§ The petition of residents of Dumfries and Galloway,
300§ Declares that further increases in tax on petrol will have an adverse effect on the livelihoods of those living and working in Dumfries and Galloway.
§ The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Chancellor of the Exchequer to reverse his decision to impose the increase in tax on petrol due to be implemented in September 2004.
§ And the petitioners remain, etc.
§ To lie upon the Table.