HC Deb 13 February 2004 vol 418 cc63-5W
Michael Fabricant

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action is proposed to meet the Commission of the European Communities communication COM (2003) 354 in respect of assistance

Table A: Total gross value added of the manufacturing sector by region/devolved Administration 1996 to 2000
£ million
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
London 12,747 13,335 13,799 14,297 14,750
South East 17,143 18,243 18,947 19,335 19,738
South West 10,461 11,179 11,497 11,642 11,872
Wales 7,797 8,007 7,941 7,775 7,826
Scotland 12,638 13,182 13,034 12,787 12,673
Northern Ireland 3,104 3,313 3,423 3,565 3,731
Source:
Regional Economic Accounts, ONS

Estimates of regional GVA are presented at current basic prices. They do not include taxes on products (such as Value Added Tax), and take no account of the impact of price inflation.

Regional GVA by industry estimates allocate the earnings of commuters to their region of residence and not the region where they work (in those cases where the two differ).

to small operators in meeting administrative burdens and environmental challenges, with particular regard to the metal finishing industry. [152512]

Mr. Morley

I have been asked to reply.

This June 2003 Communication from the European Commission set out the Commission's view on implementation of the 1996 directive concerning integrated pollution prevention and control (IPPC) and invited responses to seven questions, among which was one about what support measures should be taken at EU, national, regional or local level to facilitate compliance by installations, in particular small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Government response, submitted to the Commission on 12 September 2003 and available at http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/ppc/cipp.htm, pointed out that, in the UK's experience, it is essential for regulators to work closely with operators—whether or not SMEs—to explain as precisely as possible what IPPC requires.

In the case of the metal finishing industry, the Environment Agency is working with the Surface Engineering Association (SEA) to do that, raising awareness of the requirements and providing draft sector guidance. An Agency Sector Co-ordinator has been appointed to provide advice and support to the industry. Three IPPC Launch Workshops were held in January 2004 for the sector, each including a presentation by the SEA. The agency is supporting the Association's IPPC "club" arrangement under which a series of workshops will be held (led by a consultant and with Agency staff contributing) to help operators write their applications in a common and therefore more efficient approach to IPPC permit application and compliance. Revised IPPC guidance for the sector will be issued by the Environment Agency in mid-February.