§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the initiatives being taken by his Department to reduce levels of(a) carbon dioxide, (b) sulphur dioxide and (c) methane in the atmosphere; and if he will make a statement. [15937]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe United Kingdom climate change programme, published in January 1994, set out a full list of the measures being taken to return emissions of carbon dioxide and methane in the UK to 1990 levels by 2000. A progress report on carbon dioxide emissions was published in December 1995.
The UK published its programme and national plan for meeting its commitments under the EC large combustion plant directive to reduce sulphur dioxide emissions by 60 per cent. by 2003 compared with levels in 1980. We have agreed under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe protocol further to reduce total sulphur dioxide emissions from all sources by 80 per cent. by 2010 compared with 1980 levels. My Department will issue a consultation paper on the UK's strategy for meeting these targets shortly.