§ Mr. Alasdair MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the impact534W which the proposed climate change levy will have on the Scottish agricultural sector; and if he will make a statement. [91675]
§ Dr. ReidThe climate change levy will play a key role in helping the UK meet the greenhouse gas emission targets we are committed to achieve. It is a priority objective for the Government to mitigate the global impacts of climate change. My right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who is responsible for this matter, will consider all submissions on the levy before he makes an announcement on its final form.
The National Farmers Union of Scotland has submitted its views on the levy to HM Customs and Excise. The National Farmers Union has joined representatives of other energy intensive sectors in negotiations for energy efficiency agreements with the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions. Sectors which make satisfactory agreements will be eligible for lower rates of levy. I understand that there has been good progress in the negotiations.