MEMBERS of Farmers' for Action warned this week that they would be returning to the protest lines if the Government didn't come up with a satisfactory answer to the high tax on fuel.

Members from Herefordshire were closely involved in the national fuel protests last week which left pumps dry all over the country and had a dramatic effect on transportation.

Said Hereford dairy farmer Paul Thomas, the action group's co-ordinator for the county: "We fully appreciated that the Government wouldn't roll over straightaway but if they don't come up with answers we will be back. We have a mandate from the public."

Mr Thomas said that with such strong public support, the protesters were now more determined and more people would join the next protest. "It is not just the rural people who are behind us."

He considered that it would not be easy for the Government to enact legislation effectively with regard to fuel distribution as many drivers owned their vehicles and worked closely with farmers. "Hauliers and farmers are incensed at the rising costs. Farming is now a damage limitation exercise." He said that Farmers' for Action was not against the NFU. Most members, himself included, belonged to the union. "In a way we are trying to open doors for the NFU to go in. We appreciate that they are not militant."