§ Mr. GibbTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out the reasons for the change of policy regarding the taxation of uncrushed rock, with specific reference to armourstone; and if he will make a statement. [52957]
§ Mr. BoatengFollowing consultation with the industry, the scope of the aggregates levy was broadened to include uncrushed rock to prevent the possibility of tax avoidance and scope for inequitable tax treatment, as not all rock used as aggregate is crushed.
Armourstone is an example of uncrushed rock that can be used as aggregate. It is used for its bulk space filling properties in applications where there are often recycled alternatives available.
§ Sue DoughtyTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the total cost to the Treasury will be(a) at the outset of its introduction and (b) projected in the next three years of the introduction of a levy on aggregates from 1 April. [53718]
§ Mr. BoatengThe projected revenue form the introduction of the aggregates levy was published on 17 April in the Financial Statement and Budget Report 2002.