INDEPENDENT PETROL STATIONS

That this House notes with concern the diminishing number of independent petrol stations as a result of greater competition from bigger fuel suppliers and supermarket petrol stations; further notes the contents of the recent Palmer and Harvey Forecourt Report which indicates that the number of petrol stations in the UK has fallen by 60 per cent. in the last 20 years from 21,000 to 8,500; further notes with concern the particular effect thisis having on rural communities who find that their local petrol stations are closing down at an alarming rate; further notes the role that small, independent petrol stations often play in the wider community such as providing a local shop and/or post office; and calls on the Government to assist smaller petrol stations to stay in business in order that they can service our rural communities.