§ Mr. RedwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received from industry concerning the proposed climate change levy. [87031]
§ Mr. BattleMy Department is having extensive discussions with business on the impact of the climate change levy, and the accompanying reduction in employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs), which were announced by my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Budget, 9 March 1999,Official Report, columns 173–90.
Tax forms part of the Government's strategy on climate change. However, we have said that we wish to implement the climate change levy in a way which minimises any adverse impact on the competitiveness of UK business. The Government will continue to listen to the views of business and as raised in response to HM Customs and Excise's consultation on the levy, which ended on 28 May. Final decisions on the design of the levy, including its rates, will be taken for inclusion in the Finance Bill 2000 in the light of these representations.
§ Mr. RedwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact on jobs of the proposed climate change levy. [87032]
§ Mr. BattleMy Department has received many representations from business on the impact of the climate change levy, some of which have raised concerns about its impact on employment.
The levy will form part of our strategy on climate change. We are also developing negotiated agreements and emissions trading as means by which business can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We want to give business the chance to develop the cost-effective solutions to emissions reductions and to make the most of the new business opportunities which should flow from climate change in the years to come: new markets and new goods and services, which may have positive implications for employment.