§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps they are taking in view of the possible risks arising from the "greenhouse effect", to encourage consumers in the United Kingdom to use natural gas, and electricity produced from natural gas, rather than electricity produced from oil or coal.
The Earl of CaithnessPotential contribution to the "greenhouse effect" is only one factor among many in choosing between fuels. The Government's policy is that users should pay the full economic prices for the energy they use. It is then for the suppliers of fossil fuels to promote their respective benefits and for consumers to decide which of those available is best suited to their needs.
We consider that the first priority is to improve our scientific understanding of man-made climatic change and its effect on the environment. We are 870WA therefore both expanding our research and playing a full part in international efforts to this end.
Meanwhile we are taking a number of measures to mitigate the potential "greenhouse effect". We have already agreed control of the manufacture and use of CFCs under the Montreal Protocol and we have called for a reduction in their use by a least 85 per cent. as soon as possible. This will limit production of some of the most powerful greenhouse gases as well as benefiting the ozone layer.
In the energy sector we will continue to pursue research into renewable energy sources, to develop non-fossil sources of power, including nuclear power, and, assisted by our pricing policy, to encourage cost-effective improvements in energy efficiency.
A further source of some additional CO2in the atmosphere is the burning of tropical rain forests. We are actively involved in both the International Tropical Forest Timber Agreement and the Tropical Forest Action Plan, which seek to encourage the sustainable and non-destructive use of the rain forests.