§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what matters will be discussed at the meeting of Europe's Environment and Energy Ministers in Luxembourg on 23 April; which Minister will represent his Department; and what target will be put before the meeting as Britain's accepted commitment for carbon dioxide reduction.
§ Mr. MacleanThe joint Council meeting is expected to be devoted principally to discussion of the Community's strategy on climate change, although there may also be some discussion of controls on ozone-depleting substances. I shall be representing the United Kingdom, along with my hon. Friend the Minister for Energy. Under the framework convention on climate change, the United Kingdom will be committed to taking actions aimed at returning emissions of carbon dioxide to their 1990 levels by 2000.