Written question asked by Jimmy Wray (Labour) on Wednesday, 12 February 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 February 2003. It was answered by Brian Wilson (Labour) on Monday, 24 February 2003 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what discussions she has had with EU colleagues regarding EU approval for the exemption from the Climate Change Levy of the coal mine methane industry; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had with EU colleagues regarding EU approval for the exemption from the Climate Change Levy of the coal mine methane industry; and if she will make a statement. [98508] Mr. Wilson: The use of coal mine methane directly as a fuel in industrial processes is already exempt from the Climate Change Levy. The Department for Trade and Industry have submitted a State Aid Application to the European Commission for exemption from the Climate Change Levy for electricity produced from coal mine methane. The commission has opened an investigation under Article 88(2) of the Treaty to determine whether the proposed aid is approvable. They will be inviting comments from member states and interested parties. We have received the formal notification of this decision from the commission and DTI officials are currently preparing an initial response and considering what other action will be necessary to secure the State Aid Approval.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 98508; 400 c237-8W;400 c235-6W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Coal Climate change Climate change levy Exemptions EU action Mining Taxation Methane
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk