§ 11. Mrs. EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the impact of petrol prices on the Scottish rural economy. [136331]
§ 17. Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the impact of vehicle fuel duties on rural communities in Scotland. [136337]
§ Mr. WilsonFuel prices are only one element that determines the effectiveness of the rural economy in Scotland. The impact of any individual item of taxation can only sensibly be seen within the overall context of fiscal policy.
The measures announced by the Chancellor in his pre-Budget report to raise the limit for the lower rate of Vehicle excise duty for cars of up to 1500cc, to remove vehicle excise duty for tractors and other agricultural vehicles, rebates of up to 50 per cent. of vehicle excise duty for heavy goods vehicles and the proposed reform of the VED system for HGVs will all bring significant financial benefits to Scotland's rural economy.
629W
§ Mr. PatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the First Minister on the impact of fuel prices on the Scottish economy. [136334]
§ Mr. WilsonMy right hon. Friend has regular discussions with the First Minister on a number of issues relevant to all aspects of the Scottish economy.