Raw deal on fuel

With fuel prices going through the roof, we are in the rather bizarre position of having the Chancellor supporting lower fuel taxes for other countries in the European Union, but not here in Scotland. Corsica, for example, enjoys a derogation in which it pays lower fuel taxes than France, a situation agreed to by Mr Darling.

So, while Mr Darling is happy to give his backing to lower fuel prices for Corsicans, he is unwilling to do the same for rural Scotland, and motorists there often have to pay between 10p and 15p more per litre of petrol than those in other parts of the country.

ALEX ORR

Bryson Road

Edinburgh