HC Deb 19 January 1999 vol 323 c448W
Ms Lawrence

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what proportion of bus operators receiving bus fuel duty rebate are using standard diesel fuel; [66104]

(2) how much is spent annually through the bus fuel duty rebate in supporting bus operators using standard diesel fuel. [66106]

Ms Glenda Jackson

[holding answer 18 January 1999]: Most of the claims for bus fuel duty rebate are for use of standard diesel fuel. The estimated spend this financial year is £267 million.

Ms Lawrence

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to encourage bus operators in receipt of bus fuel duty rebate to adopt ultra low sulphur diesel fuel. [66105]

Ms Glenda Jackson

[holding answer 18 January 1999]: A number of possible changes to bus Fuel Duty Rebate, to encourage the use of cleaner fuels and vehicles, are being examined with a view to consultation in due course.

Ms Lawrence

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many bus operators are receiving bus fuel duty rebate. [66103]

Ms Glenda Jackson

[holding answer 18 January 1999]: There are currently 1,800 claimants receiving bus fuel duty rebate. This figure includes subsidiaries or other operating units of larger companies.