Written question asked by Baroness Michie of Gallanach (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 12 December 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 December 2000. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Monday, 18 December 2000 on behalf of the Treasury.

Treasury

Question: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the social and economic impact of the proposed aggregates tax on the Highlands and Islands of Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mrs. Ray Michie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the social and economic impact of the proposed aggregates tax on the Highlands and Islands of Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [142966] Mr. Timms: The aggregates levy will bring about benefits by making the price of aggregates better reflect their true environmental costs. This will provide an incentive for all business to use more sustainable materials and to use all aggregates more efficiently. A proportion of the proceeds from the levy will be available in a Sustainability Fund to help the Scottish Executive deliver local environmental benefits. The remaining proceeds will fund a cut in employer NICs which will deliver economic benefits nationwide.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 360 c87-8W; 142966
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Aggregates levy Aggregates Environment protection Economic situation Highlands of Scotland National insurance contributions Quarrying Scotland Sustainable development Taxation Tax yields Scottish islands Quarrying Sustainability Fund
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk