HC Deb 12 December 1989 vol 163 cc539-40W
Dr. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy at the next meeting of the European Environment Council to introduce policies to reduce the greenhouse effect by restricting road transport use to lower carbon dioxide releases.

Mr. Trippier

We recognise the important contribution which emissions of carbon dioxide from vehicles make to the greenhouse effect. At the Environment Council meeting on 28 November, my right hon. Friend urged the European Commission to bring forward proposals to reduce these emissions.

Dr. Kim Howells

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many tonnes of carbon dioxide have been released into the atmosphere of the United Kingdom in 1987, 1988 and 1989(a) by electricity generating stations, and (b) by petrol and diesel-driven road vehicles.

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

Estimated carbon dioxide emission as carbon from selected sources in 1987 was as follows:

(Million tonnes)
1987
Power stations 54.7
Petrol-driven road vehicles 19.0
Diesel-driven road vehicles 7.3
All sources 158.6

Figures for 1988 are currently being prepared and will be published in the Digest of Environmental Protection and Water Statistics early next year. Figures for 1989 are not yet available.