Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Thursday, 29 November 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 December 2001. It was answered by Lord Boateng (Labour) on Monday, 10 December 2001 on behalf of the Treasury.

Treasury

Question: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the reasons are for the levy of £1.60 per tonne on the extraction of (a) sand, (b) gravel and (c) rock. - (Holding answer 5 December 2001).

Answer: Mr. Drew: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the reasons are for the levy of £1.60 per tonne on the extraction of (a) sand, (b) gravel and (c) rock. [20706] Mr. Boateng: [holding answer 5 December 2001]: Independent research has verified that there are significant environmental costs associated with quarrying that are not already covered by regulation, including noise, dust, visual intrusion, loss of amenity and damage to biodiversity. The levy will bring about environmental benefits by making the price of aggregates better reflect their true social and environmental costs, and encouraging the use of alternative materials which would otherwise have to be landfilled, thus reducing the amount of extraction.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 20706; 376 c688W;376 c687-8W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Aggregates levy Environment protection Nuisance Quarrying Taxation Gravel Sand Rocks
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk

Treasury

Secondary information

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