Prescott offers deal to appease heavy users
15 Jan 2000
The UK Chemical Industries Association (CIA) met deputy prime minister John Prescott to discuss energy tax exemptions for energy intensive industries.
The CIA has argued against imposition of an energy tax disincentive since it was first proposed and has suggested a system of voluntary energy efficiency agreements instead.
Mr Prescott's compromise offer is to offer a lower rate of levy for energy-intensive users that commit to efficiency improvement.
Director General, Elliot Finer said: `There is still a great deal of work to be done over the coming months to achieve agreement. The chemical industry wants to fully contribute to sustainable development which means achieving a balance between environmental and economic issues.'
The CIA was also pleased by the latest environmental assessment of the UK by the Institute of Economic Affairs, which shows that the UK environment is improving. The CIA claims this is contrary to impressions created by many environmental organisations.
