Written question asked by Sue Doughty (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 26 April 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 7 May 2002. It was answered by Lord Boateng (Labour) on Tuesday, 7 May 2002 on behalf of the Treasury.

Treasury

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she (a) has made and (b) plans to make of the impact of the aggregates levy on (i) the development and use of alternative materials and (ii) efficiency in the use of virgin aggregate; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she (a) has made and (b) plans to make of the impact of the aggregates levy on (i) the development and use of alternative materials and (ii) efficiency in the use of virgin aggregate; and if she will make a statement. [53723] Mr. Boateng: I have been asked to reply. The higher price of aggregates will provide an incentive to develop and use alternative materials and make more efficient use of primary aggregate. The levy will be subject to environmental evaluation in due course. Given that the levy was only introduced on 1 April 2002 it is currently too early to assess its impact.

Secondary information