Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Robert Courts and Mark Fletcher

Thursday 30th June 2022 Commons Chamber

[Mark Fletcher (Bolsover) (Con)]

14. What steps his Department is taking to support UK supply chains.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Robert Courts)]

We have published a future of freight plan, supporting efficient, resilient and sustainable supply chains.

[Mark Fletcher]

I thank the Minister for that very brief answer. I recently met Rick Bromley, who runs a road haulage business in my constituency, and he was very concerned about the impact of rising fuel prices on the industry and the uncertainty that such prices are creating. What assessment have the Minister and the Department made of the sustainability of the haulage sector given the current uncertainties?

[Robert Courts]

I will reply at more length now, if that is what my hon. Friend would like. We recognise that the cost of fuel, driven by global factors, means that businesses are of course facing increased operating costs, and we are taking steps to mitigate that. My hon. Friend will be aware that we cut fuel duty by 5p in the spring, and we have recently instructed the Competition and Markets Authority to conduct an urgent review of competition in the fuel retail market to ensure that customers and businesses are not getting ripped off.