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[February 2004]
BCC Critical Of Government’s Flawed Energy Plan
The British Ceramic Confederation has submitted a comprehensive and critical response to the Government’s recently published draft UK Allocation Plan for carbon dioxide emission allowances for companies eligible for the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. UK Government has imposed a cap on these allowances, which goes further than the UK obligations in following the Kyoto agreement on greenhouse gases. At present, it seems that UK is alone in Europe in imposing a more stringent cap. British manufacturing industry could therefore be further disadvantaged, in Europe and also internationally, against companies that have not ratified Kyoto. These matters are of crucial importance to manufacturers of ceramics, as intensive users of energy in the firing of their products.In its submission to Government ministers, BCC points outs that the draft UK Allocation Plan will severely affect the competitiveness of the Ceramic Industry. BCC has suggested that the allocation is subject to gross error and needs to be re-evaluated immediately. It is argued that the Government is seeking to impose the allocation without proper and meaningful consultation with companies or the appropriate bodies. In particular, the Scheme:
• Imposes further additional costs, which will do immense damage to the competitiveness of the UK Ceramics Industry.
• Will act to reduce outputs and will for example cause brick shortages, affecting housing targets, and increase the import penetration.
• Is based on emission allowances that are not in line with previous statements and understandings.
• Will act as a disincentive to future capital investment, increased efficiency, and improvements in Health & Safety.For further information please contact:
Mr. Kevin Farrell, Chief Executive, British Ceramic Confederation, Federation House, Station Road, Stoke-on-Trent. ST4 2SA.
Tel: 01782 744631. Fax: 01782 744102. Email: kevinf@ceramfed.co.uk
ENDS