HC Deb 17 February 1997 vol 290 cc417-8W
Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what sums were provided to institutions and research bodies in connection with research and information on global warming in the most recent year for which figures are available; and what amount is planned to be spent in the coming year. [15945]

Mr. Clappison

In 1996–97, the Department of Environment is providing about £14.5 million to institutions and research bodies for research and information specifically related to climate change. A similar amount is likely to be spent in the coming financial year.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are his Department's current estimates of global temperature rises over the 1951 to 1980 average; and if he will list the sources of research from which the estimates are drawn. [15947]

Mr. Clappison

The global temperature in 1996 was 0.265 deg. C above the 1951 to 1980 average; this was the eighth warmest year since instrumental records began in 1860.

The global temperature in 1995 was 0.425 deg. C above the 1951 to 1980 average; this was the warmest year since instrumental records began.

These data are compiled from observations made at more than 1,000 land meteorological stations and a similar number of ships and buoys around the world; analysis of the data is undertaken by the UK Meteorological Office, which supplied those statistics.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions have been held within the European Council on the European contribution to global warming; and if he will make a statement. [15944]

Mr. Clappison

The Environment Council regularly discusses climate change issues, including the sources and scale of European greenhouse gas emissions and the action which should be taken under the framework convention on climate change to counter the threat of climate change.