Written question asked by Roy Beggs (Ulster Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 26 May 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 June 1999. It was answered by Patricia Hewitt (Labour) on Monday, 14 June 1999 on behalf of the Treasury.

Treasury

Question: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will exempt Northern Ireland from the climate change levy or energy tax until such time as electricity costs are comparable to average electricity costs in Great Britain. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Beggs: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will exempt Northern Ireland from the climate change levy or energy tax until such time as electricity costs are comparable to average electricity costs in Great Britain. [85896] Ms Hewitt: The Government are aware of the nature of, and the prices prevailing in the energy market in Northern Ireland. These issues were considered, alongside a number of other factors, in determining the scope and design of the climate change levy. The introduction of the climate change levy will entail no increase in overall burden of tax on business as a whole, as the revenues from the levy will be fully recycled to business via a 0.5 per cent. reduction in the main rate of employers' National Insurance Contributions. Business will also benefit from an additional £50 million for schemes aimed at promoting energy efficiency and support for renewable sources of energy, such as solar and wind power.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 85896; 333 c28-9W
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Costs Climate change levy Energy Electricity Exemptions Northern Ireland Pollution control Taxation
Contains statistics: Yes