LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION'S CLAIMS ON VAT

That this House notes that the Leader of the Opposition claimed in Prime Minister's Questions on Tuesday 22nd March that everyone other than the better off would have to pay VAT on fuel in full; points out that the Government is making available extra help with VAT on fuel worth around ú2.5 billion over three years, that around 15 million people will gain, including pensioners, disabled people and those on income related benefits; and that this help will be given in advance of the bills coming in; and calls upon the Leader of the Opposition to apologise to honourable Members and to withdraw his nonsensical accusation and to, in future, refrain from the kind of irresponsible scaremongering which is increasingly becoming his trademark.