QPA's tax alternative

The Quarry Products Association (QPA) has presented the Government with a package of voluntary and regulatory alternatives to the proposed aggregates tax.

Among the suggestions are the implementation of the ISO 14001 environmental management system within three years, and environmental assessments for all new mineral extractive operations, regardless of size.

The QPA claims that the environmental management scheme has implications for training and management. It also includes the establishment of a national foundation committed to environmental improvement and the development of schemes to increase the recycling of materials for aggregate use.

The foundation would receive £20 million in funding each year from the industry.

The QPA is also proposing the extension of local authority pollution controls and a transport code of practice.

Simon van der Byl, director general of the QPA, said: "We are very aware of our environmental responsibilities and firmly believe that the environmental package, with its specific initiatives, will achieve far greater environmental benefits than any form of aggregate tax.

"The proposed package will also allow for a clear differentiation to be made between environmentally 'good' and 'bad' operations. This would not be possible under a simple tax regime."