25/07/2007 (Agence Europe) - On 24 July the European Commission sent the Council a draft decision authorising France to apply reduced rates of tax on lead-free petrol used as fuel and available to consumers in Corsica. The proposed tax reduction is €1 per hectolitre until 31 December 2012. The Commission has underlined that this proposal aims to meet the need of partial compensation for surcharges engendered by the geographic remoteness of the island and its supply difficulties. (ol)