§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research his Department has commissioned into the factors considered by consumers when choosing whether to buy standard unleaded petrol or low sulphur petrol. [150111]
§ Mr. Hill[holding answer 13 February 2001]: My Department has not commissioned any specific research into consumer purchasing decisions concerning cleaner specifications of petrol. However, market research by oil companies and consumer organisations—confirmed by the experience of introducing ultra-low sulphur diesel—indicates that most road users will not choose a cleaner specification of fuel if it has a higher retail price then the conventional specification.
§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what incentives the Government have provided to consumers to buy low sulphur petrol in preference to standard unleaded petrol. [150112]
§ Mr. Hill[holding answer 13 February 2001]: A 1 p/1 fuel duty differential for ultra-low sulphur diesel (ULSP) relative to conventional unleaded petrol was introduced in October 2000. The Chancellor announced in the November 2000 pre-Budget report that this duty differential would be increased to 3 p/1 in the 2001 Budget, subject to oil companies ensuring nationwide availability.