Sir, According to statistics in a broadsheet newspaper this week, the excise duty and VAT on unleaded petrol in January, 1999, was 53.21p of the pump price of 61.9p per litre.

In August, 2000, the same taxes amount to 60.72p of the pump price of 79.9p per litre.

In just 18 months, because of OPEC decisions, Her Majesty's Government is taking an extra 7.51p per litre of unleaded petrol from us all.

All the Government statements that reduction in fuel prices would deny investment in the health service, etc.

is so much rubbish.

This Government could reduce petrol by 7.5p per litre today and not be any worse off in its spending plans.

M.R.W Berry

Chairman, English Lakes Hotels

Windermere