§ Mrs. ShephardTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer by how much the cost of central heating fuel has risen due to(a) the increase in the price of crude oil and (b) increases in taxation, since 1 April 1998. [134292]
§ Mr. TimmsThe information requested is contained in the Department of Trade and Industry's monthly statistical bulletin, "Energy Trends, March 1999". A copy of which is available in the House of Commons Library.
The rise in taxation was preceded in September 1997 by the Government's reduction in the rate of VAT on fuel and power used domestically, cutting the rate of VAT from 8 per cent. to 5 per cent., the lowest level allowed under European Community law.