HC Deb 31 January 1996 vol 270 cc755-6W
Mr. Alan W. Williams

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the annualised average temperature for mainland Britain for each of the years 1990 to 1995; and what recent estimates he has made of the historic average mean temperature since records began. [11238]

Mr. Arbuthnot

This is a matter for the chief executive of the Meteorological Office. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from J. C. R. Hunt to Mr. Alan W. Williams, dated 31 January 1996: I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about temperatures in mainland Britain as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Meteorological Office. The annualised average temperatures for mainland Britain (i.e. United Kingdom excluding Northern Ireland) 1990–1995 are:

  • 1990: 10.0°C
  • 1991: 9.2°C
  • 1992: 9.3°C
  • 1993: 8.9°C
  • 1994: 9.5°C
  • 1995: 9.8°C
The last 4 decades 1956–1965, 1966–1975, 1976–1985, 1986–1995 show values of 8.9, 9.0, 8.9. 9.3 respectively. The natural climate variability of the UK area is such that this apparent warming has little statistical significance. As a perspective a diagram illustrating annual values over the period back to 1659 is attached. The diagram does not refer to the whole UK as reliable data for Scotland is not available before 1851. The attached reports give a full background should you wish to be more aware of the position and issues. I hope you find the information helpful.