13-6-02

“Fuel fraud hitting Scots hard” says Barrett

John Barrett, Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, today called on the Government to tackle the problem of fuel fraud in Scotland. Mr Barrett has tabled a series of parliamentary questions to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Home Secretary, Trade & Industry Secretary and Transport Secretary to find out what action the Government is taking in this area.

Mr Barrett said:

"Fuel fraud is believed to cost the Treasury millions in lost tax revenue, money which would certainly not go amiss in our schools and hospitals. It is clear that immediate steps should be taken to rid the UK of this crime. Currently, a £1,500 fine for the use of illegal fuel is not acting as an adequate deterrent.

"Furthermore, honest businesses are suffering as they struggle to compete with their rivals who are using illegal fuels to cut costs and therefore prices.

"It is clear the problem of fuel fraud is vast, and it is affecting Scots in many different ways. I will continue to press the Government into taking substantial action to rid the country of these criminal acts."

ENDS