HC Deb 24 July 2002 vol 389 cc1228-9W
Mr. Salmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations she has received from quarry operators since the aggregates levy come into effect in April. [72410]

Mrs. Liddell

One representation from the British Aggregates Association has been received since the levy came into effect on 1 April. The Aggregates Levy has been introduced to address the environmental impacts of the extraction and transportation of aggregates, including noise, dust, vibration, visual intrusion, loss of biodiversity and amenity. The levy will result in prices for primary aggregates which better reflect these environmental costs, and so encourage both the use of recycled aggregates as an alternative and more efficient use of aggregates.