The consultation process over the future of red diesel remains open until 31 October.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have received many hundreds of replies both as emails and in hard copy, all of which will be carefully considered and submitted to the government, according to Wing Edmondson, a senior civil servant who has been collating the consultation.

Meanwhile, the chief executive of the British Marine Federation Howard Pridding has been lobbying ministers at the recent labour party conference in Bournemouth. ‘The government are very aware of the potential impact of a huge hike in boat fuel,’ he said. ‘They know the damage it could do, but many feel that keeping the red diesel network for boats is enough. We’re continuing to argue that a hike to road prices will seriously harm the industry, especially in the powerboat and inland waterways sector.’

Once the consultation closes on 31 October, you can continue to lobby your MP right up until the budget announcement in April of 2008, prior to legislation being enacted in November of that year. Just send your letter to your MP at the House of Commons, London SW1A OAA.

You can find the consultation document on the Customs website: www.hmrc.gov.uk 

Page 4 of the document tells you how to make your views known.