Allan pressurises UK Government over high fuel costs 23/7/10
Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, has today received a response
from the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Justine Greening MP, about
fuel prices in the Western Isles. Dr Allan had raised the issue of the
commitment in the coalition partnership agreement regarding measures to
help with fuel costs in remote rural areas, starting with pilot schemes.
Alasdair Allan commented: "I was pleased to get this response from the UK Government which confirms that they are currently considering the case for introducing a fuel duty discount pilot scheme in remote and rural areas. The Treasury are at the moment considering which parts of Scotland may be used in any pilot schemes that are taken forward.
He added: "I have highlighted the situation in the Western Isles to the Treasury,
where fuel costs are extreme and where there is virtually no public
transport alternative.
“We have, for years, suffered from having to pay significantly higher prices at the pumps for petrol and diesel than those living in urban parts of Scotland. This imposes a serious burden which leads to the inevitable suffering of individuals and businesses through no fault of their own.
Mr Allan continued: “Given that the Western Isles has amongst the highest fuel prices in the world, I believe that the case for fuel price reduction measures being piloted here is very strong and I have urged the UK Government to
respond positively to my request to start any fuel price pilot in the
islands.
"This is not an issue which communities in the Western Isles will let
lie and I will continue to press the UK Government for answers on this
matter."