QPA chief calls on Scottish Parliament to protect Scottish business

"QUARRY Products Association chairman David Scott has called on Scottish parliamentarians to fight Westminster’s imposition of the aggregates tax which, he warns, will harm Scotland’s economy, environment and public spending initiatives."

"Speaking at the QPA’s Scottish annual lunch in Edinburgh last month, Mr Scott urged the record number of MSPs present at the event to continue to press for measures to offset the aggregate tax’s disproportionately damaging consequences in Scotland."

"‘Can the Scottish Assembly really sit back and watch its economy being damaged by this Westminster measure, which was surely only introduced in order to show the previous administration had done something ‘green’. I think we have every right to ask some searching questions about this nonsensical extra financial burden on the economy and environment of Scotland.’"

"Saying there was overwhelming evidence to suggest that the aggregates tax would be a bad tax, Mr Scott added that it would have a disproportionate effect in Scotland and would damage the Scottish economy by at least £45 million in the first year and more thereafter."

"‘There are real implications for Scotland, some of which may not have sunk in yet. The tax will have absolutely no impact on recycling rates, but it will have an impact on publicly funded infrastructure works. Quite simply, it will mean less real improvement to our schools, hospitals, housing, roads, railways and water-treatment plants."

"‘It will bring added costs to the industry which can only lead to premature quarry closures and some job losses, and it will surely lead to materials being hauled by road over greater distances. Is this really environmental improvement?’"

"Fergus Ewing MSP, key speaker at the lunch, backed Mr Scott’s call and urged the Scottish Parliament to hold an inquiry into the effects of the tax in Scotland."

"‘The Northern Ireland Assembly has already held a debate and met with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, over its concerns about the effects of the tax in Northern Ireland. Surely the Scottish Parliament isn’t going to neglect to at least hold an inquiry into what impact this mass of additional costs is going to have in Scotland,’ he said."

"As well as pledging the industry’s continued opposition to the disproportionate effects of the tax in Scotland, David Scott also called for a Scottish 10-year transport plan. ‘To ensure the survival of our industry and to retain our ability to respond to much-needed improvements in the built environment, it is vital that the Scottish Executive provide a transparent, unambiguous road-building programme in the form of committed long-term plans."

"‘If a 10-year plan can be produced for England, why can we not produce one for Scotland?’"