§ Mr. Lathamasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, pursuant to the discussions between the Deputy Collector of Her Majesty's Customs at Nottingham and Mr. E. Harvey of Hillside Farm, Ragdale, Leicestershire, he will outline the obstacles to Mr. Harvey being permitted to instal two tanks on his digger, one containing white diesel for use on public highways, and the other containing red diesel for use on construction sites; and whether he will seek to rectify this matter.
§ Mr. BrookeWith specified exceptions, vehicles licensed to haul goods on public highways must always use fully duty paid derv (white diesel) as fuel. Entitlement to use lower-dutied red diesel in any circumstances depends on a more restricted licence (in this case a digging machine54W licence) and this would debar the hauling of goods on the public highway. To change the law to allow the fitting of two fuel tanks would seriously undermine control of misuse of the lower dutied red diesel.
§ Mr. Lathamasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now direct Her Majesty's Customs and Excise that Mr. E. Harvey of Hillside Farm, Ragdale, Leicestershire, be permitted to use his digger to tow a van to and from building sites provided that white diesel is used as fuel on the highway and that Mr. Harvey obtains a restricted heavy goods licence; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrookeThere is no objection to Mr. Harvey doing what is proposed. However, vehicles licensed as restricted heavy goods vehicles must always use derv (white diesel) as fuel, including when working off the highway.