HC Deb 14 June 1994 vol 244 cc339-40W
Mr. Chris Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what is his policy on changes in greenhouse gas emissions from human-made sources within the United Kingdom after the year 2000;

(2) which measures he will take to prevent an increase in carbon dioxide emissions from the United Kingdom from the year 2000 onwards;

(3) what targets he has adopted or will adopt with respect to carbon dioxide emissions from the United Kingdom after the year 2000 onwards.

Mr. Atkins

The Government's position on action under the climate change convention was set out in chapter 10 of the United Kingdom's climate change programme, published in January. This commits the United Kingdom to making a full and appropriate contribution beyond 2000 to achievement of the convention's ultimate objective, and makes it clear that our national programme to achieve the current commitments in the convention will be reviewed and developed in the context of the international response.

Mr. Chris Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has submitted a report or communication to the secretariat of the intergovernmental negotiating committee for a framework convention on climate change on the views of the United Kingdom Government for the review of the adequacy of commitments in article 4 of the convention; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Atkins

The United Kingdom has not at this stage submitted any papers on this subject to the secretariat.

Mr. Chris Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he plans to attend the 11th session of the intergovernmental negotiating committee for a framework convention on climate change, to be held in New York in February 1995.

Mr. Atkins

No decision has yet been made on United Kingdom representation at the 11th session of the intergovernmental negotiating committee.

Mr. Chris Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy on the negotiation of protocols under the United Nations framework convention on climate change.

Mr. Atkins

We are willing to consider any constructive proposal for protocols to the convention.

Mr. Chris Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he plans to attend the 10th session of the intergovernmental negotiating committee for a framework convention on climate change, to be held in Geneva from 22 August to 2 September; and what matters will be discussed there.

Mr. Atkins

Officials from my Department and others will represent the United Kingdom at the 10th session of the intergovernmental negotiating committee. The agenda for the meeting has not yet been issued.