§ 90. Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what new plans he has to help limit the greenhouse effect on the world's climate.
§ 93. Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy on combating the greenhouse effect on the world's climate; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoynihanThe first priority is to improve our scientific understanding of man-made climate change and its impact on the Environment. We are initiating our own research and playing a full part in international efforts to this end.
Meanwhile, our present understanding strengthens the case for various measures which are in hand or under consideration for other reasons. CFCs, which are powerful greenhouse gases, are to be controlled under the Montreal protocol agreed last year to protect the ozone layer. Realistic pricing of energy to encourage its efficient use and the continued development of sources of power other than fossil fuels will also reduce the generation of greenhouse gases. The exhaust emission standards for small cars agreed by the European Community last month preserve the incentive to develop the fuel-efficient lean-burn engines.