In addition to the more than a quarter of a million signatures that were presented to Downing street on Monday this week by my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol, South {Ms Primarolo), a further 2,000 signatures are attached to this petition to the House of Commons. It reads: The Petition of the Citizens of the United KingdomDeclares that the Government decision to increase VAT on domestic fuel from 8 per cent. to 17.5 per cent. in 1995 will place a heavy financial burden on pensioners and others on low incomes which they will find hard to meet. The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons votes down this terrible proposed increase when it is raised in the House.

To lie upon the Table.

Further to the petition moved by my hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, Heeley (Mr. Michie), I have here a petition from 2,000 constituents in Sheffield, Hillsborough. They declare that the Government's decision to increase VAT on domestic fuel and power from 8 per cent. to 17.5 per cent. breaks election promises and is unfair, hitting those who can least afford it. The petition reads: The Petitioners therefore request that this House of Commons passes legislation to stop the further VAT increase on domestic fuel and power.To lie upon the Table.

I have pleasure in following the petitions presented by my hon. Friends the Members for Sheffield, Heeley (Mr. Michie) and for Sheffield, Hillsborough (Mrs. Jackson) against the increase in VAT. This petition has 1,000 signatures from my constituency of Glasgow, Springburn. It reads: To the House of CommonsThe Petition of the Citizens of Glasgow, SpringburnDeclares that the Government decision to increase VAT on domestic fuel and power from 8 per cent. to 17.5 per cent. in 1995 breaks election promises and is unfair, hitting those who can least afford it. The petition continues:The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons passes legislation to stop the further VAT increase on domestic fuel and power.To lie upon the Table.