Written question asked by Lord Berkeley (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Sassoon (Conservative) on Tuesday, 27 March 2012.

Energy: White Diesel

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government , further to the Written Answer by Lord Sassoon on 7 March (WA 421–2), what steps they have taken to ascertain how many suppliers around the United Kingdom are willing and able to supply white diesel for marine use, to consult formally about the effect of the regulations on marine businesses and other users both in the United Kingdom and in other European Union member states, and to undertake a study into the potential impacts on business.

Answer: The supply of white diesel for marine use is a commercial decision over which Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has no powers of intervention. HMRC has not taken specific steps to ascertain the number of suppliers around the United Kingdom which may be willing or able to supply white diesel for marine use. The changes being introduced in the Finance Bill 2012 clarify the current position, that the use of red diesel with full duty paid to propel pleasure craft is a UK procedure permitted under UK legislation within UK waters. There is no requirement for white diesel to be used within UK waters.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 16568; 736 c235WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Energy: Red Diesel
Wednesday, 7 March 2012
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Boats Diesel
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk