§ Mr. MorganTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what consultations he has had with his counterparts in the European Commission responsible for energy policy concerning the carbon/energy tax proposals agreed by the Commission at its meeting on 13 May; what proposals he has for its implementation at United Kingdom level; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EggarWhile the general issue of energy/carbon taxation has been discussed at a number of Councils, including the Energy Council, the proposals which the Commission has recently agreed have not yet been formally issued to member states. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who is responsible for taxation in the United Kingdom, will take the lead in responding to the proposals when they have been received and carefully considered.