§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the financial impact of his Budget measures for motorists in receipt of mobility allowances. [37251]
§ Dawn Primarolo[holding answer 1 April 1998]There were no specific measures in the Budget targeted at motorists in receipt of mobility allowances. Some motorists in receipt of Disability Living Allowance will benefit from the freeze in Vehicle Excise Duty, as well as the new reduced rate of £100 for the smallest and least polluting cars that will be introduced from next year. The uprating of bus fuel duty rebate, and the £500 million additional funding for public transport, will help provide affordable alternatives to the car for all motorists. In line with the Government's existing commitment, road fuel duties were increased by at least 6 per cent. in real terms on Budget day. These increases are expected to save 1.7 million tonnes of carbon a year by 2010, and all motorists will be affected by these changes.