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VED plan hits islanders

9th February 1995, Page 9
9th February 1995
Page 9
Page 9, 9th February 1995 — VED plan hits islanders
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

• Treasury Minister David Heathcoat-Amory, who wants to force island-based hauliers to pay full vehicle excise duty, has agreed to meet with MPs who are against the proposal.

In the Commons last week he argued that the concession is abused. Hauliers can get the concession by registering their trucks on an island, and then use them exclusively on the mainland.

But MPs representing island communities argue that the proposal would threaten many island businesses. Norman MacAskill, a livestock haulier on the Hebridean island Benbecula, says the introduction of full rates would force him to lay off at least one driver. "We already have the worst unemployment in the UK," says MacAskill, who operates two six-wheelers.