§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the policies of European Union Agriculture Ministers in respect of the proposed energy tax on the horticultural industry; and what reports he has received of plans to exempt the industry in individual member states. [86050]
§ Mr. RookerThe scope of the proposed EC Energy Products Directive, and the minimum rates of tax which might apply, are still under discussion. It is known that a number of member states have fundamental objections to certain aspects of the Energy Products Directive and there are a number of technical points on which member states are seeking further clarification. These will be discussed further at future meetings of ECOFIN.