HC Deb 26 November 1999 vol 339 cc212-3W
Mr. Swayne

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will extend the period in which heads of agreement must be signed by smaller trade associations in respect of discount from climate change levy rates. [100462]

Mr. Mullin

My right hon. Friend does not propose to do so. These sectors have been asked to sign heads of agreement before the Budget in March 2000. They have been able to start preparations since the levy was announced in March 1999 and there has been a series of meetings with officials since then. The sectors may also take advantage of assistance from the Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme in preparing their proposals.

Mr. Swayne

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what procedure will determine whether energy saving measures are cost effective for the purpose of qualifying for 80 per cent. discount from climate change levy rates. [100461]

Mr Mullin

Negotiations with sectors are proceeding on the basis that sectors will be expected to commit to installing all cost-effective energy efficiency measures over the period of the agreements. Cost-effectiveness will be measured using industry's own criteria.