§ Mr. ClappisonTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 12 December 2000,Official Report, column 118W, on the climate change levy, what the time scale is for his work with the Commission in respect of obtaining state aid clearance for the climate change levy. [143078]
§ Mr. TimmsParagraph 6.30 of the November 2000 pre-Budget report reports progress in obtaining state aids clearance for the climate change levy package. The Government are continuing to work with the Commission to ensure a timely approval of its application.
§ Mr. ClappisonTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the number of firms covered by the exemption for the domestic sector as a result of being small consumers of energy in respect of the climate change levy; and what proportion of small and medium sized enterprises such firms represent. [143074]
§ Mr. Timms[holding answer 18 December 2000]: All small energy users who benefit from the reduced 5 per cent. rate of VAT on fuel and power will be exempted from the CCL. It is not known how many of these are small businesses, rather than domestic customers.
§ Mr. ClappisonTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the cost of the climate change levy for UK salt manufacturers; and what representations he has received from them. [143624]
§ Mr. TimmsDuring the development of the climate change levy, the Government have received many representations from business and other interested parties and these views have helped to refine the design of the levy. The financial impact on any sector will depend on a number of factors, including its future energy consumption, the level of employment, eligibility for discounts, use of renewable or combined heat and power energy, and take up of enhanced capital allowances.