Carbon Dioxide Emissions

HC Deb 02 June 1997 vol 295 cc42-3W

Mr. Yeo

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the increase in carbon dioxide emissions which will be caused by reducing VAT on domestic fuel. [653]

Angela Eagle

We have estimated that the reduction in VAT on domestic fuel to 5 per cent. will result in an increase in carbon dioxide emissions of about 0.9 million tonnes per year (equivalent to about a quarter of a million tonnes of carbon) by 2010. This represents about 0.15 per cent. of current carbon dioxide emissions. We shall be developing measures to reduce carbon dioxide measures in fields such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, combined heat and power, and our integrated transport strategy so as to deliver our proposed target of a 20 per cent. reduction in carbon dioxide emissions below 1990 levels by 2010.

Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State or the Environment, Transport and the Regions what applications his Department is considering for the building of new clean coal plants in the United Kingdom. [1012]

Mr. Battle

I have been asked to reply.

No applications have been received under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989.