§ Mrs. Ann WintertonTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will introduce measures to reduce the impact of the landfill tax on the salt extraction industry; and if he will make a statement. [58581]
§ Ms HewittThe landfill tax applies to disposals of waste at sites that are subject to waste management licensing. The salt extraction industry currently pays the lower rate of landfill tax on the liquid waste that it deposits in salt cavities. It pays only on the solids content of the waste. Customs carried out a review of the tax, involving other Government Departments with waste policy interests, which reported in March 1998. The review considered the case for certain exemptions from the tax, including for salt extraction industry wastes, but concluded that no further exemptions should be granted. I understand that the industry has made representations that its waste disposal operations should be exempt from waste management licensing. The provision of exemptions is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions. I understand that his officials are examine the industry's case.