Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Angela C Smith (Labour). It was answered on Thursday, 15 June 2006 on behalf of the Treasury.

Climate Change (Taxation)

Question: I am sure that every Government Member accepts that the levy plays a significant role in reducing carbon emissions. Does my hon. Friend agree that it is an industry-friendly measure, given the incentives that it provides to improve energy efficiency and thus the cost-effectiveness of British business?

Answer: My hon. Friend will remember that, when we introduced the climate change levy, we also introduced a 0.3 per cent. cut in employers’ national insurance contributions. She will be aware of the launch of a new campaign by the Carbon Trust, which is linked to the climate change levy. British businesses will waste more than £500 million over the summer if they fail to adopt energy efficiency failures, and the campaign demonstrates that the trust can help them by delivering an average 15 per cent. saving in energy efficiency and business costs. Clearly, the climate change levy package can help business and the environment, so I hope that it receives support from Members on both sides of the House.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 447 c887
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Conservation Air pollution Climate change Climate change levy Carbon Energy Pollution control Taxation
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk