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Treasury

Answer

Mr. Drew: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what environmental impact assessment he has undertaken of the effects of the introduction of the new aggregates tax; and if this includes the cost of the disposal of unsaleable secondary aggregates. [20711] Mr. Boateng: [holding answer 5 December 2001]: Independent research has shown that there are significant environmental costs associated with quarrying which are not already covered by regulation, including noise, dust, visual intrusion, loss of amenity and damage to biodiversity. The levy will make the price of aggregates better reflect these social and environmental costs and encourage efficient use of aggregates, as well as the increased use of recycled aggregates and other alternatives to virgin aggregate, thus reducing the amount of extraction. In the pre-Budget report the Government announced that in consultation with the aggregates industry, they are examining proposals to deliver additional environmental benefits through the aggregates levy by encouraging the use of aggregates waste.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

20711; 376 c688W

Session

2001-02

Subjects

Aggregates levy Environment protection Environmental impact assessment Nuisance Quarrying Taxation

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk