HC Deb 07 February 2000 vol 344 cc79-80W
Mr. Yeo

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the likely impact of the climate change levy on the horticulture sector; and if he will publish the results. [107236]

Mr. Nick Brown

[holding answer 27 January 2000]: It is not possible to say what the likely impact of the levy on the horticulture sector will be. That will depend on a number of factors including future energy consumption and what use the sector makes of electricity generated from 'new' renewable sources of energy or in 'good quality' combined heat and power plants. The use the sector makes of the proposed system of enhanced capital allowances for energy saving investments will also have an impact. The horticultural industry, in common with other industries, will also benefit from the lower overall rates of the levy announced by the Chancellor in his pre-Budget report statement.