§ Mr. GardinerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when his Department's Greening Operations Annual report for 1999–2000 will be published. [154771]
§ Ms Beverley HughesI have today published the DETR Green Minister's Annual Report 2000. This incorporates Greening Operations data for the year 1999–2000 but also covers other aspects of my responsibilities for greening government and promoting sustainable development within the Department. The Report has been independently verified.
§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will set out his proposals for making the United Kingdom a showcase for environmental protection and environmental technologies. [154197]
§ Ms HewittI have been asked to reply
The Government's aim is for the UK to become a leading player in the new markets for green energy and products, waste minimisation, recycling and re-use. The Prime Minister's speeches in October and March, the White Paper "Opportunity for all" and Budget 2001 further develop and take forward this new approach through a range of existing and new measures to boost UK industrial and research capabilities and capacity in cutting-edge sustainable technologies and know-how. Recent announcements include:
A total of over £250 million over the next three years for investment in renewable energy and renewable R&D to help industry meet our target of 10 per cent. of our electricity to come from renewable energy sources by 2010. Moreover, with the introduction of the Renewables Obligation, the Government will be aiming to provide an assured market for renewable energy over the next 25 years. Business can also take advantage of the levy exemptions, which apply to electricity sourced from new renewable sources or from quality assured combined heat and power plants.The ground breaking 'Carbon Trust' which brings together—for the first time in Europe—a fully integrated programme of incentives worth up to £150 million annually on low carbon technology and business energy efficiencyThe Budget measures following the Government's 'Green Fuel Challenge', including the 20p per litre reduction in fuel duty on bio-diesel; the 9p per kilo reduction for road fuel gases; and the pilot projects and duty reductions or exemptions for bio-ethanol, methanol and bio-gas28WA proposal to consult on setting up a 'Green Technology Challenge (GTC)', with the intention of offering enhanced first-year capital allowances for further environmental objectives and new technologies. The GTC will also be designed to complement the steps being taken as a result of the 'Green Fuels Challenge'.This investment represents a significant commitment to a sustainable future and will help open up substantial commercial opportunities for Britain.