§ Lord Glentoranasked Her Majesty's Government: Whether they plan to suspend the aggregates tax levy in Northern Ireland, considering that area's geographical circumstances. [HL2396]
3WA
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyAs announced in the Pre-Budget Report, the Government have considered in detail the impact of the aggregates levy on Northern Ireland and propose to phase in the levy for aggregates used in processed products in Northern Ireland. This recognises the potential effects of the levy on this specific sector. Phasing in the levy, including an exemption in 2002–03, will be subject to EU state aids approval.
§ Lord Glentoranasked Her Majesty's Government:
How they will ensure that sufficient resources are available in Northern Ireland to ensure that the aggregates tax levy is imposed. [HL2397]
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyAs with other taxes it administers, Customs will apply the level of resource appropriate to the revenue risk.
§ Lord Glentoranasked Her Majesty's Government:
How the imposition of the aggregates tax levy in Northern Ireland is contributing towards a more dynamic economy and a cleaner environment. [HL2398]
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyThe Aggregates levy will be implemented in April 2002 on virgin aggregate. In Northern Ireland, as in the rest of the UK, it will encourage the use of recycled and alternative materials, reducing demand for quarrying. The levy will ensure that the environmental impacts of quarrying, such as damage to biodiversity, noise, dust, visual intrusion and loss of amenity, are fully reflected in prices, thus ensuring greater economic efficiency.
The Government are minded to phase in the levy for aggregates used in processed products in Northern Ireland, subject to EU state aids approval. This recognises the potential effects of the levy on this specific sector, and will allow the industry time to adjust and improve environmental performance.