§ Mr. Skeetasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received regarding the level of petroleum tax; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Bruce-GardyneI have received a number of representations about the level of excise duty on petrol, derv, heavy fuel oil and aviation gasoline. My right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will bear these in mind when he makes his Budget decisions. The representations on the future structure of the North Sea tax regime which I have received from the oil industry's representative bodies and from individual oil companies have included calls for a reduction in the general level of North Sea oil taxation. These comments are being carefully considered in my review of North Sea taxation.