BAA takes aggregates tax case to Scottish Parliament

THE British Aggregates Association, which represents the interests of over 50 of Britain's independent quarry operators, has taken the fight against the proposed aggregates tax to the Scottish Parliament.

BAA director Robert Durward appeared before the Public Petitions Committee after submitting a petition to the Parliament on behalf of the Association's Scottish members, who represent around a quarter of the BAA's total membership.

Addressing the committee, which was chaired by Labour MSP John McAllion, Mr Durward said: 'The proposal by the Treasury to introduce a heavy tax on all aggregate production in the UK will cause particular damage to Scotland.'

Quoting independent research, he said Scotland would lose 1,700 jobs in quarrying and 1,050 jobs in related industries if the aggregates tax goes ahead.

And he warned that Scotland would be hit particularly hard because the country tends to use a higher percentage of primary aggregates as there are fewer alternatives available.

Mr Durward also pointed out that the proposed £1.60 per tonne levy would represent a 40-50% increase on the basic price of aggregates in Scotland, whereas in southern England it would represent an increase of only 12-16%.

After questions to Mr Durward the committee agreed that the BAA's petition would be referred to the Enterprise & Lifelong Learning Committee with a recommendation that it consults further with the Rural Affairs, Transport and Environment, and European committees during its considerations.

Declaring his satisfaction with the decision of the Public Petitions Committee, Mr Durward said: 'I'm very pleased on behalf of my Scottish members that the Parliament is taking this threat to our jobs and livelihoods seriously.'

The BAA says it will now be watching the progress of its petition through the various parliamentary committees very carefully.