Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment has his department made of the potential merits of extending the Rural Fuel Duty to Wales.

The Rural Fuel Duty Relief Scheme has provided a 5p reduction to motorists buying fuel in certain areas across the UK since its introduction in 2012. The areas included in the scheme demonstrate certain characteristics such as pump prices much higher than the UK average; remoteness leading to high fuel transport costs from refinery to filling station; and relatively low sales meaning that retailers cannot benefit from bulk discounts.

The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events, and does not routinely comment on proposals.