I have the honour of presenting a petition of concerned energy users in the highlands and islands that has been signed by several hundred of my constituents, whose signatures were collected alongside a similar petition, which will be presented by my right hon. Friend Mr. Kennedy. The petition concerns the problems faced by people who use heating oil and liquefied petroleum gas as their principal source of heat, because there is no access to the main gas grid, and the associated problems of Fuel Poverty and the lack of support for energy efficiency that affect these people.

The petition states:

The Petition of concerned energy users in the Highlands and Islands,

Declares that the below Petitioners are concerned about the energy costs faced by households without access to the gas main, and the large rise in numbers facing acute fuel poverty this winter.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to target emergency financial help at those who rely on heating oil, LPG or solid fuel to match the support currently provided through the six biggest gas and electricity providers.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.

[P000753]