§ Mr. Topeasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the present shortage of diesel fuel, he will take steps to permit the use of existing stocks of red diesel by haulage contractors and others who are unable to obtain supplies of white diesel.
§ Mr. HigginsNo. I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on 11th December to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Perry Barr (Mr. Kinsey).
§ Mr. Topeasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has of stocks of red diesel fuel, and of the cost to the Government of permitting its use in road vehicles and forfeiting the duty payable on it.
§ Mr. HigginsStocks of individual oil products fluctuate from week to week in response to demand and supply changes. The duty borne by the oil to which the hon. Member refers is 1p a gallon while that on diesel oil road fuel is 22½p a gallon.