§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) when he expects to receive the agreement of the EU Commission for his proposals to introduce further enhanced capital allowances under the Green Technology Challenge; [26421]
(2) when he will publish details of the technologies which he proposes should be eligible for enhanced capital allowances under the Green Technology Challenge; [26451]
255W(3) what level of first year enhanced capital allowances he plans to introduce under the Green Technology Challenge; [26431]
(4) if it is his policy that the sum available for enhanced capital allowances under the Green Technology Challenge should be cash limited; [26432]
(5) what representations he has made to the European Commission in respect of the Green Technology Challenge proposals listed in paragraph 7.23 of the pre-Budget report. [26419]
§ Mr. BoatengThe Government propose to introduce enhanced capital allowances under the Green Technology Challenge during 2002–03. Work is continuing in order to identify specific technologies that are suitable candidates for inclusion in the scheme. Details of qualifying technologies will be announced in due course. Decisions on whether it is necessary to seek European Commission approval for the inclusion of specific technologies in the scheme will be taken once qualifying technologies have been identified.
It is not currently proposed that the sum available for enhanced capital allowances under the Green Technology Challenge will be cash limited. The proposal is that all investments in eligible technologies will qualify for enhanced capital allowances. No decision has been made on the level of first year enhanced capital allowances to be introduced under the Green Technology Challenge.