COALITION PRESSED ON FAIR FUEL PRICES

COALITION PRESSED ON FAIR FUEL PRICES

TIME TO STOP USING SCOTTISH MOTORISTS AS CASH COW

The UK Government was pressed today (Wednesday) on its commitment to introducing fair fuel prices for motorists and the haulage industry.

Speaking at Scottish Questions, SNP Treasury spokesperson Stewart Hosie MP, questioned whether the coalition would deliver on a Tory pledge to introduce a fuel price stabiliser and Lib-Dem promises of a fuel derogation for motorists in rural areas.

Mr Hosie said:

“In Opposition, both the Tories and the Liberal Democrats were vocal about soaring fuel prices and frank in their criticism of the Treasury. Now they are in government they must honour their word and cut fuel costs.

“The coalition must live up to the word of both parties and take immediate action to bring down fuel prices at the Budget next week.

“A fair fuel regulator is the only way to ensure that Scotland’s essential industries and our hard pressed families are not continually hit by rising prices.

“Scottish motorists and our hard pressed haulage industry need immediate action to bring down fuel costs and the coalition government will be held to their word.”

Meanwhile, SNP Westminster Transport spokesperson, Angus MacNeil MP, joined one of his constituents from Barra, Erica MacDonald, to hand in a 3,000 signature petition protest over high fuel costs to the Treasury. The petition also calls on the UK government to include Scotland's rural areas in a pilot project offering petrol and diesel at reduced costs.

Mr MacNeil added:

“The coalition must use the emergency budget to bring down fuel prices and ensure that Scotland’s essential industries and hard pressed households are not hit again by rising prices.

“Prices in Scotland are well above the £1.21 highlighted by the AA.  In Stornoway, unleaded fuel is £1.28 and diesel is over £1.30. In Inverness – home to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury - it’s £1.25.  This has a crippling effect on family budgets and on all our industries.

“Labour repeatedly used Scotland's motorists as a cash cow.  It is time drivers were given a break. People in Scotland will be deeply concerned that fair fuel prices are not a feature of the coalition agreement - despite claims by both parties to support this measure.”