HC Deb 02 December 1980 vol 995 c45W
Mr. Harold Walker

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will reduce the excise duty on fuel oil to bring it into line with the levels applying elsewhere within the European Economic Community;

(2) what steps he is taking within the European Economic Community to eliminate or reduce the unfair competition arising from the level of excise duty on oil products applying elsewhere in the Community being less than half than that in the United Kingdom;

(3) what estimate he has made of the price disadvantage suffered by United Kingdom industry compared with industries elsewhere in the European Economic Community as a result of the extra excise duty on oil products borne in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Peter Rees

I shall let the right hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.