HC Deb 26 February 2001 vol 363 cc515-7W
Mr. William Ross

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received (1) about the impact of the proposed tax on aggregates on prices toa the primary producer and (b) the purchaser from the primary producer; [150893]

(2) on the increase in the cost of a cubic metre of concrete which will result from the imposition of the aggregates tax; [150892]

(3) on the increased cost of producing 1,000 aggregate/cement (a) bricks and (b) other building blocks normally used in house construction as a consequence of the imposition of the proposed tax on aggregates; and by how much he estimates the cost of the average sized dwelling constructed of such materials will increase. [150896]

Mr. Timms

The Chancellor has received numerous representations regarding taxation, including the planned aggregates levy. Decisions regarding taxation are made as part of the Budget process. Budget 2000 announced that the aggregates levy would be introduced from April 2002.

Mr. William Ross

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much aggregate, broken down by type, was(a) imported to and (b) exported from the United Kingdom by (i) land transport and (ii) sea transport, indicating his estimates of the value of such materials, in the current year and each of the previous three years. [150917]

Mr. Timms

Data on exports and imports of aggregate are published annually in the British Geological Survey's United Kingdom Minerals Yearbook. It is not possible to break this down between land transport and sea transport.

Mr. William Ross

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what hi; estimate is of the impact on prices of the imposition of the proposed aggregates tax in road building. [150894]

Mr. Timms

Budget 2000 announced that the Government have decided to introduce an aggregates levy with effect from April 2002. The impact on prices will be dependent on the commercial decisions of aggregates suppliers and purchasers.

Mr. Drew

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the implications for the United Kingdom of the policies and proposed policies of each EU state in relation to the taxation of aggregates. [150855]

Mr. Timms

Policies relating to the extraction of aggregates vary between member states outside the UK. These do not have a direct impact on the price of aggregates in the UK.

Mr. William Ross

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what his estimate is of the quantities of material which arise each year from(a) the UK as a whole, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales, (d) Northern Ireland and (e) England, which are suitable for recycling to produce aggregates; and how much under each of these headings is actually recycled; [150935]

(2) what (a) tannage and (b) value of aggregates were produced, broken down by type, in (i) England, (ii) Wales, (iii) Scotland and (iv) Northern Ireland in the current financial year and in the previous three financial years. [150920]

Mr. Timms

Data on the production of aggregate are published annually in the British Geological Survey's United Kingdom Minerals Yearbook. Data on the scope for increased use of recycled aggregate are contained in a report for the Environment Agency by Symonds Group Ltd., "Construction and Demolition Waste Survey: National Survey of the Production, Recycling and Disposal of Construction and Demolition Waste In England and Wales, 1999–2000, Environment Agency R&D Technical Report P402". A summary of this report has been published through the DETR.

Mr. Green

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what changes he his made in public procurement policy to encourage a greater use of recycled aggregates; and if he will make a statement. [150681]

Mr. Timms

The joint Treasury/DETR note on Environmental Issues in Purchasing explains that purchasers can specify their requirements in green terms and should award their contracts on the basis of whole life costs and quality, consistent with this policy. The procurement of aggregates—recycled or otherwise—can be undertaken within this framework, by appropriate specifications where justified and technically possible. It is for the purchasing Department to make these decisions in the specific circumstances.