Letter: We need quarries

Sir: I read with concern the letter from Elaine Gilligan of Friends of the Earth (8 June) commenting on the possible introduction of a quarrying tax. The facts outlined are not correct.

There is a plentiful supply of the natural raw materials that make quarry products, the materials we all depend on for our homes, schools, hospitals, transport network, water and sewerage systems. There is no question of this industry being unsustainable. Moreover, the quarrying industry is strongly committed to improving the environmental performance of the industry and firmly believes that a quarrying tax would bring no environmental benefits. In contrast a more constructive environmental approach will involve the use of regulation, planning controls and voluntary initiatives.

The industry is also promoting the increased use of recycled aggregates and has already exceeded its recycling targets set for 2001. However, there is only a finite supply for recycling and we will all continue to need virgin materials.

SIMON van der BYL

Director General

Quarry Products Association

London SW1