§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the ability of small and medium-sized enterprises to make the necessary investment to reduce their energy usage to meet Kyoto requirements; and if he will make a statement. [97633]
§ Mrs. LiddellSmall and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for around one third of business emissions of greenhouse gases. The Government's initial proposals for the Climate Change Levy reflect Lord Marshall's conclusion that there may be scope for significant improvements in energy efficiency from this sector. The Government are seeking to design and implement the Climate Change Levy in a way that maximises environmental benefits whilst safeguarding the competitiveness of business of all sizes. The Government have previously announced that £50 million per annum of anticipated revenues from the levy will be used for purposes which include the provision of energy efficiency advice for SMEs.