§ Mr. SawfordTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of(a) farms which may become unprofitable and (b) jobs which may be lost if a pesticide tax is introduced. [91152]
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§ Ms HewittNo decision has been taken on whether to introduce a tax on the use of pesticides.
Research commissioned by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions on a possible tax or charge on pesticides was published on 24 March focusing on various design options for a charge scheme or tax, and attempting to evaluate the potential impact. Views were invited on the issues raised in the research and this consultation exercise closed on 24 June. The Government will consider the findings of the research project and the views expressed in the consultation exercise in deciding how best to proceed.