§ Mr. Skeetasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of Great Britain's application for entry into the Common Market, what information he has on the rates of duty and tax on hydrocarbon oils in the several member countries; and how they compare with rates prevailing in the United Kingdom.
§ Sir E. BoyleDifferences in the structure of the various duties and taxes levied on hydrocarbon oils in the Common Market countries make precise comparison with United Kingdom rates of duty impossible. Bearing in mind these differences, the relative burden on two typical hydrocarbon oils is estimated very approximately as follows:
Country Approximate total duty and tax burden per gallon Motor Spirit Heavy Fuel Oil s. d. d. United Kingdom 2 9* 2.2* Belgium 3 6 2.2 France 4 11 0.9 Federal Republic of Germany 2 8 2.6 Italy 3 9 1.7 Luxembourg 2 7 0.8 Netherlands 2 5 1.1 * Inclusive of the 10 per cent. revenue surcharge.