§ Mr. Russell Johnstonasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he has received a request from the Highlands and Islands Development Board for monthly and annual figures of sales by the major oil companies in 10 km. grid squares; and whether, in view of the proposition to abolish vehicle excise duty and the need to have clear data to enable such a decision properly to be made, he will accelerate the procedures to enable such information to be made available.
§ Dr. Mahon:No request for such information has been received from the Highlands and Islands Development Board. My Department is, however, in touch with the Highland regional council over a similar request and is currently awaiting further advice from the council before processing some of the data required.
Every effort will be made to meet such requests as quickly as possible within data availability and resource limitations.