§ Richard BurdenTo ask the Prime Minister if he will raise the issue of Israel's construction of the Security Wall with President Bush during his visit; and if he will report to the House the outcome of those discussions. [138943]
§ The Prime MinisterI expect to cover a range of issues of common interest with President Bush. I have regular discussions with him on a wide range of international issues including the Middle East Peace Process.
§ Norman BakerTo ask the Prime Minister whether he intends to discuss with President Bush the subject of the United States ratifying the Kyoto Treaty during the President's forthcoming visit. [139395]
§ The Prime MinisterI expect to cover a range of issues of common interest with President Bush. My regular discussions with him include energy policy and climate change. The government welcomes the US's recognition that climate change is a serious problem and the fact that it is taking domestic action.
The UK is fully committed to the Kyoto Protocol, with its binding targets and timetables, which is designed to deliver absolute global emissions reductions.
The UK will work with other governments to develop the technologies needed to reduce global emissions further in the longer term.
§ Norman BakerTo ask the Prime Minister what the estimated total cost to public funds is of the forthcoming state visit of President Bush. [139413]
§ The Prime MinisterThe estimates have not yet been completed as the final details of the programme are still being agreed. We expect the costs falling to Grant-in-Aid to be in line with previous state visits. The policing costs are met by the Metropolitan Police.