SMITH ASKS GOVERNMENT TO HELP SMALL PETROL RETAILERS

2.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 29th Apr 2008

Liberal Democrat MSP for North East Fife Iain Smith has written to the Finance Minister, John Swinney asking what the Scottish Government is doing to secure fuel supplies for the smaller independent fuel retailers who are amongst the hardest hit during this fuel crisis.

The move comes amid reports that the distribution of fuel supplies are hugely benefiting larger outlets such as supermarkets and fuel company franchises whilst small businesses are either being heavily rationed or indeed unable to obtain unleaded petrol.

Mr Smith also criticised the Scottish Government's handling of the fuel crisis by accusing them of "dithering worse than Gordon Brown" over their delayed call for calm and release of information from the outset.

Text of letter to the Scottish Government

John Swinney MSP

Cabinet Secretary Finance & Sustainable Growth

St Andrew's House,

Regent Road,

Edinburgh, EH1 3DG

Dear Mr Swinney

I am writing to determine what actions, if any, the Scottish Government is undertaking to secure fuel supplies for smaller independent fuel retailers who will be amongst the hardest hit during this time of fuel instability.

I have been contacted by such businesses in my constituency who have expressed concerns at their own inability to secure supplies and as a result will be forced to trade at a far reduced level, which will adversely affect their business. I join them in these concerns and I hope that you do to.

Yours sincerely

Iain Smith MSP

Scottish Liberal Democrat, North East Fife

ENDS