Correct news on the red diesel issue taken from the RYA web site Published: 10/08/2006
Following the European Commission's response in June which indicated that the Commission is not in favour of extending the current derogation for fuel used in recreational craft for navigation, the RYA has now met with officials from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to discuss the latest position on the red diesel derogation. The RYA is pleased to note that despite the Commission's discouraging initial response, UK Ministers continue to believe that there is a strong enough case to support the renewal of this derogation. We also believe that Governments in other Member States with similar derogations will similarly be pressing for renewal. The RYA will continue to work with Government officials to ensure the UK's arguments are as strong as is possible. We understand the Commission has set a deadline in mid October for receipt of all applications for renewal so time is of the essence, but it is not an unrealistic target. A spokesman for HMRC, states: "As required under the Energy Products Directive, the Commission issued a Communication on 30 June stating its position on the derogations, and noting that Member States may apply under the normal procedures for renewal of derogations. As announced at the Budget, the UK will be submitting an application for renewal of the derogation enabling pleasure boats to use red diesel. This application will be informed by the case that the government has set out in the partial RIA and is continuing to build with the cooperation of the boating industry. Ultimately, approval of the application will require the unanimous agreement of the EU Council of Ministers to a proposal from the European Commission. However, we believe that the RIA makes a convincing case for renewal and will carry on working with boating organisations and other Member States over the coming months to ensure that the application presents the strongest possible arguments for retaining the derogation." The RYA is also aware that there has been some questioning by Member States over handling procedures by the Commission for renewal of derogations. We expect that this dispute will soon be resolved, but the lateness of the action by the Commission may in itself be a possible ground for extension of the derogation. It is possible that the Commission may grant a temporary extension for a short period to allow the Commission time to consider the applications from Member States. The RYA believes that a temporary extension may well lead to further uncertainty and is best avoided, but we should prepare ourselves for such a possibility. If RYA Members or Clubs want to add their further support to this campaign by bringing pressure to bear on the Commission then people should urge their MEPs to write to the Commission, in particular to: Tom Carroll, Head of Unit, Excise duties and transport, Taxation and Customs Union D-G, European Commission Rue Montoyer 59, Brussels, BE-1000, Tel +32-2-295.58.42, E-mail ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] The more pressure the Commission receives the more likely it is that the Commission will acknowledge the strength of feeling on this matter, and recognise the impact the loss of the derogation will have on UK boaters. The RYA publication 'Seeing Red' can be used to brief MEPs, along with the Government's Partial Regulatory Impact Assessment, which can be found by following the related links above. -- Regards Michael Clarke Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web: http://users.skynet.be/sky34301/ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/canals-list/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
