§ Mr. BettsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his assessment of the impact of the decision of the Government to increase the fuel duty rebate in the Budget on(a) bus and coach passenger mileage, (b) bus and coach fares, (c) pollution caused by bus and coach, (d) car mileage and (e) pollution caused by cars.
§ Mr. Key[holding answer 8 March 1994]: The strategy of increasing fuel duty is designed to encourage reduction of carbon dioxide emissions from all road vehicles as part of our commitment, under the framework convention on climate change, to return such emission to 1990 levels by the year 2000. The increase in fuel duty for bus operators represents less than 1 per cent. of operating costs and therefore the impact on fares and services is likely to be small. The effect on bus and car mileage and on pollution will depend upon the actions taken by vehicle users in response to the measure but its intention is to cause all to think more carefully about the size, age, fuel efficiency, methods of operation and maintenance of such vehicles.