Aggregates Levy (Hansard, 8 September 2003)

§ Mr. Salmond
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much has been raised from the aggregates levy in each region in the UK since the levy was introduced. [127212]

§ John Healey
Aggregate Levy revenue receipts and forecast revenues were published in Table C8 of this year's Financial Statement and Budget Report [HC 500]. These are provided for the UK as a whole and are not available by geographical region.

§ Mr. Mates
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how much was raised by the aggregates levy on(a) virgin aggregate and (b) processed aggregate products in Northern Ireland in financial year 2002–03; and how much is forecast to be raised by the levy on each in Northern Ireland in each financial year from 2003–04 to 2006–07; [127740]
(2) what steps he has taken to monitor the environmental effects of the aggregates levy in (a) Great Britain and (b) Northern Ireland; and what the results have been; [127741]
(3) when his officials last visited Northern Ireland to assess the impact of the aggregates levy on (a) the economy and (b) the environment in Northern Ireland. [127742]

§ John Healey
Data for revenue collected under the aggregates levy come from levy returns submitted by aggregates businesses and so do not include information on different types of aggregate exploited. These data are recorded for the UK as a whole and are not separately available for Northern Ireland. Revenue forecasts for the aggregates levy are also made for the UK as a whole, and not by region. Revenue raised by the aggregates levy in 2002–03 is published in Table 2.1D of Financial Statistics, June 2003, a copy of which is available in the Library of the House. Revenue forecasts for 2003–04 are given in Table C8 of this year's Financial Statement and Budge Report (HC 500).
Customs and Excise officials with policy and operational policy responsibility for the levy have visited Northern Ireland on a number of occasions to meet officials and industry representatives. The most recent meeting was in June and further meetings are planned.
As with all taxes, the Government continue to monitor the impact of the aggregates levy as part of the Budget process. We recently commissioned further independent research into the effects of the levy in Northern Ireland and this research is continuing. The Northern Ireland aggregates industry has welcomed this further research and is fully involved in discussion with those undertaking it. The findings will help to inform policy relating to the levy in Northern Ireland.