§ Jackie BallardTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the amount of revenue lost through British road hauliers taxing their vehicles in other EU countries and purchasing fuel there for United Kingdom journeys. [73767]
§ Ms HewittThere are no official estimates for the revenue losses to the Exchequer through these activities.
§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what discussions he has had with road haulage companies about the impact on their businesses on the fuel duty escalator; what further discussions he plans to have with them before the Budget; and if he will make a statement; [73812]
(2) what discussions he has had with road haulage companies about the impact which the level of road fund tax has on their businesses; what plans he has to meet them before the Budget; and if he will make a statement. [73813]
§ Ms HewittTreasury Ministers have not met with any road haulage companies, although officials have met with the Freight Transport Association and with the Road Haulage Association as recently as 23 February. Officials have made me fully aware of the concerns of the road haulage industry in the run up to the Budget.