§ Mr. ClappisonTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what estimate he has made of the effect on carbon dioxide emissions of the introduction of the climate change levy on the United Kingdom horticulture industry; [142621]
(2) how many EU member states have imposed a climate change levy on their horticulture industry; [142590]
(3) what reliefs are available for horticultural enterprises in EU member states which impose a climate change levy on horticulture. [142624]
§ Mr. Timms[holding answer 14 December 2000]: In relation to the climate change levy, the Government recognised the position of the UK horticulture sector with the special package of measures announced in Budget 2000.
Eight other EU member states have introduced or are developing some form of energy tax. The climate change levy has been designed to safeguard the competitiveness of UK firms, and, for the horticulture sector, the position in the Netherlands is of particular importance. The Dutch energy tax has recently been extended to include the horticulture sector.
§ Mr. ClappisonTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the amount of energy used by sectors of British industry eligible for the lower tax rate of climate change levy expressed as a proportion of total industry use; and what is his most recent estimate of the proportion which will be subject to the lower rate. [142955]
§ Mr. Timms[holding answer 15 December 2000]: The Government expect that around 60 per cent. of energy use in the manufacturing sector and 35 per cent. of all business energy use will qualify for an 80 per cent. discount on the climate change levy.