§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will reduce duty on auto-LP gas to the European Union minimum of 6.8/kg for a period of not less than five years; and if he will make a statement. [51857]
§ Mr. Geoffrey RobinsonThere are no plans to reduce the duty rate on gas used as road fuel to the EU minimum.
The freezing of the rate since November 1996 represents a reduction in real terms which, taken in conjunction with increases in duties on other fuels, recognises the environmental benefits associated with road fuel gases.
The widened duty differential with conventional fuels offers a clear incentive for high mileage fleets, vans and buses to convert to cleaner gas power and will help offset the cost to motorists of vehicle conversion.