DAVID Cameron will bury a new Tory "green manifesto" in an attempt to stave off a disastrous party split.
A senior Tory said: "Goldsmith and Gummer can announce all the potential green plans they want.PETER OBORNE: Page 14The "Quality of Life" report by Cameron's green guru Zac Goldsmith and former minister John Gummer will urge a ban on "inefficient" plasma TVs, washing machines, computers, fridges and mobile phones.A senior Tory said: "Goldsmith and Gummer can announce all the potential taxes they want. But any massive increase in the cost of holiday flights for ordinary people would be electoral suicide."The report calls for manufacturers to fit devices to switch appliances off when they are left for too long on stand-by."But most of them are going to be strangled at birth. There's been a huge row and few if any will see the light of day."A leaked extract of the report obtained by the Sunday Mirror shows that Mr Gummer and Mr Goldsmith want a Tory government to set a date for a ban on power-hungry appliances.The "Quality of Life" report by Cameron's "green' guru Zac Goldsmith and former minister John Gummer is expected to urge massive hikes in taxes on air travel and gas-guzzling cars.The results of a major policy review ordered by the Tory leader will be unveiled on Thursday.A leaked extract of the report obtained by the Sunday Mirror shows that Mr Gummer and Mr Goldsmith want a Tory government to set a date for a ban on power-hungry appliances.Meanwhile, Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly, writing in today's Sunday Mirror, has launched a crackdown on aircraft emissions as the green battle hots up between the parties.The Tory report will also recommend a ban on "inefficient" plasma TVs, washing machines, kettles and other electrical appliances.Multi-millionaire Mr Goldsmith's report will claim the plans for more energy-efficient electrical goods will help cut household fuel bills.And advisers to Mr Cameron believe they have now persuaded him to dump the plans for green air taxes.But the proposals have led to furious behind-the-scenes rows at Tory HQ.His decision to ditch certain green tax proposals, under pressure from the Tory old guard, is believed to have been a key factor in Tory donor Johan Eliasch's decision to ditch Mr Cameron to become an adviser to the PM last week.
vincent.moss@mgn.co.uk
Author: VINCENT MOSS
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