Philip Bradbourn, Conservative MEP for W Midlands, submitted a written question to the Council, supporting extension of the derogationMr Philip Bradbourn OBE, Conservative MEP for the W Midlands, told MBM he had submitted a written question the European Council on 18 October, which read:“Currently, derogations in the Council Directive 2003/96/EC allow five countries, including Finland, Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom, to charge reduced rates of excise duty on red diesel, applying only to private leisure watercraft. The sector would also face high costs of compliance, for example for new infrastructure for tank facilities, while there would be an increased risk of tank tourism and fraud. “The Commission, in a recent review of the derogations, nevertheless ruled these concerns as ‘not justified’. “Is the Council aware of the potentially devastating impact of abolishing the derogation on various sectors, including water sports, tourism and the marine industry? If Mr Bradbourn is your MEP, you can contact him at pbradbourn@torymeps.com