§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to implement the draft European Energy Products Directive, Article 13, in granting exemptions to electrolytic processes; and if he will make a statement. [97628]
§ Mr. TimmsThe draft European Energy Products Directive was proposed in March 1997 and is currently under discussion in the relevant technical working group of the European Council. Progress has been slow and a number of issues remain to be resolved. Until such time as adoption of the proposal is agreed member states are free to implement national energy tax policies as they see fit and there are currently no plans for formal adoption of any part of the proposal.