Sigh, the simple satisfaction of seeing one of those money-green Treasury checks in the official brown window envelope is fast disappearing.

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The idea behind Mr Brown's green budget was that the Treasury could get feedback on its proposals and then respond in the budget proper.

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It's why there is a ferocious Whitehall row going on about new green energy targets: the Treasury fears they will drive up bills still further whilst the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) insists they will create green jobs for the future.

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The Treasury spokesman said fuel duty cuts had been set to reflect their green benefits.

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