Anne Marie Morris (Newton Abbot) (Con): I am delighted that the hon. Member for Central Ayrshire (Mr Donohoe) has brought this important topic for debate. Is he aware that the current Chief Secretary to the Treasury called in 2007 for a rural fuel discount scheme, and so may have a favourable view? Like the hon. Gentleman, I am concerned, because the south-west has a very rural community. Three quarters of the land is agricultural holdings, so a rural discount would be of great benefit.
Mr Donohoe: We will have to wait for the Economic Secretary’s response on that point. As an Opposition Member, I am not in a position to give any assurances.
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Anne Marie Morris: I absolutely endorse what my hon. Friend says, but some of the rebates that have been given in France, Portugal and so on are not limited just to the islands. The Government’s current view is that it is only in an island situation that such relief can be made available, but that does not seem valid.
Mr Reid: I wholeheartedly agree with my hon. Friend. As she said, other EU countries are operating a similar scheme, so I am sure that it can be successful here.