PRA will seek to develop further its already close contacts with the Scottish government following the outcome of the referendum on independence announced today.
PRA chairman Brian Madderson said: “PRA made early preparations for whatever the outcome of the referendum by establishing a Scottish Regional Committee earlier this year, and members have joined with me in a number of meetings with officials from the Scottish Government.”
These included an hour-long briefing with energy minister Fergus Ewing and he has agreed to a meeting with the committee next year.
Madderson said other contacts included a meeting with planning minister Derek Mackay to discuss planning issues, and a meeting with officials from the health department’s tobacco control unit to discuss proposals for plain packaging, and PRA would continue to build contacts with Scottish politicians.
Following the outcome of the referendum he said it was not yet clear which areas of taxation would be devolved, but PRA would be writing to finance minister John Swinney urging him to maintain fuel duty harmonisation.
He added: “We would not like to see a situation like in Northern Ireland and the Republic where the differential is leading to criminality such as smuggling and fuel laundering.”
Madderson said issues affecting Scottish filling station operators will be discussed at the PRA’s Scottish Regional Forum, which will take place at the Royal Hotel, Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire, on Wednesday October 15, and that all PRA members and non-members would be welcome.
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