§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what pressure he is applying to bring duty levels on diesel in other EU countries up to the level currently applicable within the United Kingdom. [64985]
§ Ms Hewitt[holding answer 12 January 1999]: The Government continue to press for increases in the EU minimum rates for road fuels to reduce the price differentials between Member States and fully support the adoption of higher minimum diesel duty rates as part of the proposed Energy Products Directive.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact on the UK road haulage industry of the differences in rates of duty on diesel between EU states. [65027]
§ Ms Hewitt[holding answer 12 January 1999]: I have made no assessment of the impact on the UK road haulage industry of the difference in rates of duty between EU states. However, when considering the impact of taxation on the industry it is necessary to take account of the overall taxation burden, which is lower in the UK than that of our major EU competitors.