§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects the European Commission to approve the UK's state aid notification in respect of proposed reductions to the climate change levy for companies which agree with energy efficiency arrangements. [119156]
§ Mr. TimmsI have been asked to reply.
458WOfficials have had helpful discussions with the Commission about the UK's state aids notification. We expect further useful progress to be made over the summer.
§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the compatibility of the proposed climate change levy rebates and exclusions for a 10-year period with the latest draft of the European Commission's guidelines on state aid. [119154]
§ Mr. TimmsI have been asked to reply.
The UK regards the revised draft Community guidelines on state aid for environmental protection as a helpful step forward. However, the UK and other member states have made suggestions for improvement. As such, any assessment of their application in particular instances would be premature.