HC Deb 23 October 2001 vol 373 cc137-8W
Mr. Salmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions she has had with representatives of the textile industry regarding the climate change levy; and if she will make a statement. [9206]

Ms Hewitt

[holding answer 22 October 2001]: Ministers and officials maintain contact with textile industry representatives, where issues of concern to the textile industry are discussed. Prior to the levy's implementation in April this year, the British Apparel and Textile Confederation (BATC) negotiated an Energy Efficiency Agreement with the Government for an 80 per cent. discount from the levy for eligible textile companies.