Finance Bill — 24 Apr 2001

I beg to move amendment No. 6, in page 1, line 21, leave out "14th June 2001" and insert "5th April 2002".

We have been debating the changes in duty on ultra-low sulphur petrol and the temporary reduction in duty on unleaded petrol. We now come to amendment No. 6, which deals with the period for which the reduction in duty on ordinary unleaded petrol is to apply. In his Budget statement, the Chancellor announced that the Government intended to match the reduction in duty on ultra-low sulphur petrol with a reduction in duty on unleaded petrol for a temporary period. The amendment would extend the period during which that reduction applies from 14 June this year--the date fixed by the Chancellor--to the end of the current financial year, 5 April 2002.

The Minister has made it clear that that target has not been met by the major oil companies, let alone the independent retailers that often serve the rural communities to which my hon. Friend the Member for Hexham (Mr. Atkinson) adverted.

Question put, That the amendment be made:--

The Committee divided: Ayes 126, Noes 324.

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