FUEL ACTION MUST NOT BE DELAYED

FUEL ACTION MUST NOT BE DELAYED

SNP Westminster Transport spokesperson, Angus MacNeil MP, today
(Tuesday) warned that action to stabilise fuel prices and introduce a
fuel rebate for remote rural areas must not be delayed by the
Treasury. Mr MacNeil said that a pilot scheme was unnecessary as it
already operated in a number of EU locations and it was about time the
UK government recognised that areas like the Western Isles needed a
rebate.

Mr MacNeil said:

“We need action on fuel prices immediately not more Treasury
consultations and delays. We had that with Labour and it appears we
are getting it again from the Tory/LibDem pact.

“Other countries already operate derogations successfully and there is
absolutely no reason why the Treasury cannot implement a similar
system in Scotland as well. The Western Isles is already crying out
for such a scheme so there is no reason for more prevarication.

“Motorists in the Hebrideans are paying more tax than anyone else in
the UK for fuel, and I have already suggested to the Chief Secretary
to the Treasury that the Western Isles would be the perfect pilot area
for such a scheme.

“The Chancellor must stand and deliver on fair fuel prices and put an
end to Labour’s highway robbery.”