§ Mr. RogersTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which organisations representing the UK quarrying industry have been consulted about the proposed aggregates tax. [132259]
§ Ms Beverley HughesA range of quarry trade organisations has been invited by the Treasury, HM Customs and Excise and the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions to participate in the process of researching the environmental impacts of aggregate quarrying, developing the mechanisms of the proposed levy (including two consultations on draft clauses), discussing the content of a voluntary alternative package of measures, and clarifying the implications of the Chancellor's announcement in Budget 2000. Trade organisations recorded as having been involved in one or more of these processes include the British Aggregates Association, the British Cement Association, the Confederation of British Industry, the Quarry Products Association and the Silica and Moulding Sands Association. Views have also been received from representatives of the coal and ceramic clay producers.