Carbon Dioxide Emissions

HC Deb 02 December 1988 vol 142 cc421-2W

Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take action to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20 per cent. by the year 2000.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

The Government is concerned to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other "greenhouse" gases. The realistic pricing of energy to encourage its efficient use and the continued development of sources of power other than fossil fuels will help to reduce the generation of CO₂. The exhaust emission standards for small cars agreed by the European Community last month preserve the incentive to develop fuel-efficient "lean-burn" engines.

We are not yet in a position, given our present understanding of the science, to devise precise reduction targets which are feasible or related to specific environmental objectives. Our first priority therefore is to improve our understanding of the problems of climatic change and their impact on the environment. We are initiating our own research amd playing a full part in international efforts to this end.