HC Deb 12 February 2002 vol 380 cc142-3W
16. Mr. Weir

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations she has made to the Treasury on the imposition of the aggregates levy in Scotland. [32347]

Mr. Foulkes

I met with representatives of the British Aggregates Association on 21 January and conveyed to my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the views expressed by the Association.

Mr. Salmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent representations have been made to Her Majesty's Treasury on the aggregates levy; and if she will make a statement. [23829]

Mrs. Liddell

[holding answer 19 December 2001]: My hon. Friend the Minister of State met with representatives of the British Aggregates Association on 21 January and conveyed to my right hon. Friend the financial Secretary to the Treasury the views expressed by the Association.

Mr. Salmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate has been made of the amount yielded from the proposed aggregates levy in Scotland; and if she will make a statement. [23953]

Mrs. Liddell

[holding answer 19 December 2001]: The proposed aggregates levy is expected to raise around £380 million in the UK in its first full year. The revenues raised will be returned to business and local communities affected by quarrying through a 0.1 percentage point cut in employer's national insurance contribution. Additionally Scotland's share from the Sustainability Fund, allocated by HM Treasury using the Barnett formula, is likely to be approximately £3 million.