FUEL PRICES AND DUTY

That this House recognises that people and businesses are being hit hard by high and rising fuel prices; notes that uncertain world events, speculation and recent value added tax changes have contributed to rising fuel prices; further notes that the planned April 2011 fuel duty rise could add as much as 23 pence per gallon to already high prices; acknowledges that, as a result, many households, not least in rural areas, and businesses are facing severe financial pressures; and urges the Government to introduce an effective fuel duty stabiliser and reconsider value added tax levels to ease some of the pressure on hard-pressed families and firms.