Written question asked by Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Labour) on Friday, 10 December 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 December 2004. It was answered by John Healey (Labour) on Monday, 20 December 2004 on behalf of the Treasury.

Treasury

Question: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of fiscal incentives to assist the coal mining industry in (a) flue gas desulphurisation and (b) clean coal technology. - Inc ref to "Tax and the environment using economic instruments" available at www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/media/D54/07/adtaxenviron02-332kb.pd f.

Answer: Mr. Foulkes: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what consideration he has given to fiscal incentives to assist the coal mining industry in (a) flue gas desulphurisation and (b) clean coal technology. [205050] John Healey: The Government's approach to using fiscal instruments for environmental measures is set out in "Tax and the environment: using economic instruments" which was published alongside the Pre- Budget Report 2002 and available at www.hm- treasury.gov.uk/media/D54/07/adtaxenviron02-332kb. pdf. The Government consulted earlier this year on the development of a Carbon Abatement Technology Strategy and supports investment through the Cleaner Coal Technology Programme. The Government has no plans to introduce fiscal incentives for flue gas desulphurisation or clean coal technology, although these are kept under review.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 205050; 428 c1403W;428 c1403-4W
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Coal Coal fired power stations Environment protection Industry Government assistance Mining Pollution control Flue gas desulphurisation
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk