SNP Westminster Energy spokesperson, Mike Weir MP, has called on the UK Government to ensure that rural consumers who rely on home fuel oil or bottled gas are given the same rights as gas and energy consumers.

Mr Weir, the MP for Angus, has been pursuing a campaign on the issue since being approached by constituents who have suffered massive rises in fuel prices for heating.

Mr Weir has raised the matter in Parliament and with Ministers and lodged an Early Day Motion (EDM) which has received cross party support.

Commenting after a meeting of the House of Commons Business and Enterprise Committee which heard from Allan Asher, director of consumer body Energywatch, Mr Weir said:

"Both Ofgem and Energywatch have confirmed that there is no regulator with the task of looking at the market or interests of consumers who use home fuel oil or bottled gas.

"They do not even have the limited protection available to gas and electricity consumers. This is completely unacceptable.

"Prices of these essential energy supplies have risen dramatically causing real pain in rural Scotland. It is essential that action is taken to end this anomaly and look clearly at this market."

With Energywatch set to be subsumed into the new National Consumer Council, Mr Weir pressed Mr Asher on whether the energy section would include this area. He was told that Energywatch would press for that to be included.

Mr Weir added:

"I am pleased that finally some notice is being taken of this important issue and will be pressing for it to be formally included in the energy remit of the new body."

EDM Text:

HOME FUEL OIL PRICES

That this House notes the very substantial rises in the price of home fuel oil which many people, particularly in rural areas, rely on for heating; believes that urgent action is needed to tackle fuel poverty amongst those relying on such oil as well as those who use gas and electricity; calls on the Government to investigate the soaring price of fuel oil; and believes this industry should be subject to the same regulation as gas and electricity suppliers.