§ Mrs. BrintonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimates he has made of likely levels of HFC emissions in 2010. [53321]
§ Mr. MeacherBased on research funded by my Department, the Government estimate that UK emissions of HFCs will be just over 3 thousand tonnes in 2010.
§ Mrs. BrintonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) whether the consultation paper on ways to reach the United Kingdom targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions will include a commitment to phase out HFCs; [53320]
(2) what proportion of the commitment to reduce greenhouse gases by 12.5 per cent. would be advised by the phasing out of HFCs. [53322]
§ Mr. MeacherWe intend to issue shortly a consultation paper on policy options for delivering our climate change targets. This will cover the options for reducing all greenhouse gas emissions, including HFCs. HFCs are necessary replacements for ozone depleting substances in some applications, and enable us to meet our commitments under the Montreal Protocol. Following consultation we will develop a balanced climate change programme which will focus on cost effective options for reducing emissions across all six greenhouse gases.