§ Mr. WeirTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost of the introduction326W of the aggregates levy in Scotland; and what the cost will be to Scottish local authorities per year in each of the five years after April 2002. [23954]
§ Mr. BoatengNo estimates have been made.
§ Mr. WeirTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what aid the Government will provide to businesses in Scotland which will be affected by the aggregates levy. [23955]
§ Mr. BoatengThe aggregates levy receipts will be returned to business through a 0.1 percentage point reduction in employers' national insurance contributions, and the £35 million Sustainability Fund. The Government will not provide specific aid to businesses affected by the levy because their objective is to provide an incentive to make more efficient use of virgin aggregate and to use more recycled or alternative materials.