Fuel Prices (Hansard, 19 December 2000)

§ 10. Mrs. Ewing
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the impact of the current level of fuel prices on the economy of the highlands and islands. [141573]

§ Mr. Wilson
The Government view the economic impact of fuel prices within the context of their pursuit of fiscal and economic policies, which are leading to economic stability and steady growth.
The measures announced by the Chancellor in his pre-Budget Report to raise the limit for the lower rate of Vehicle Excise Duty for cars up to 1500cc will benefit over 40,000 motorists in the Highlands and Islands. Hauliers will benefit from the reform of the Vehicle Excise Duty and farmers will benefit from the freeze in duty on red diesel and the abolition of Vehicle Excise Duty on tractors and other agricultural vehicles.

§ 18. Mr. Alasdair Morgan
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the impact of the current level of fuel prices on the Scottish economy. [141581]

§ Mr. Wilson
The Government view the economic impact of fuel prices within the context of their pursuit of fiscal and economic policies, which are leading to economic stability and steady growth.
The measures announced by the Chancellor in his pre-Budget Report to raise the limit for the lower rate of Vehicle Excise Duty for cars of up to 1500cc will benefit over 750,000 Scottish motorists, over 40 per cent. of the total. All Scottish motorists will benefit from the freeze in duties on road fuels in Budget 2001 and from the cuts in duty for ultra low-sulphur petrol and diesel.

§ 20. Mr. Burns
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding fuel prices in Scotland. [141583]

§ Mr. Wilson
My right hon. Friend has regular discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on a wide range of issues affecting Scotland.
My right hon. Friend the Chancellor and I agree that the price of fuel is only one factor in any consideration of motoring costs. Independent research commissioned by my Department has shown that the taxation costs of private motoring are lower in Scotland than in European countries such as the Netherlands, Finland, Ireland and even Portugal. The average Scottish driver pays £1,000 a year less than in Denmark.