Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, why the cement manufacturing sector is not eligible for the Energy Intensive Industries Compensation Scheme and whether cement could be included.

I recognise the importance of the cement sector to the UK economy; which will play an essential role in delivering this Government’s commitment to build 1.5 million new homes by the end of this parliamentary term. At the last eligibility review for the Energy-Intensive Industries Compensation Scheme the cement sector did not meet the defined threshold for carbon leakage risk based on trade and electricity intensity. The Government intends to review the scheme this year, any changes to scheme eligibility will be subject to consultation and ministerial approval. I highly encourage the cement sector to engage with the consultation once the opportunity arises.