§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the effects of his recent Budget proposals on the level of future United Kingdom carbon dioxide emissions; and if he will make a statement. [9482]
§ Dawn Primarolo[holding answer 21 July 1997]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Truro and St. Austell, (Mr. Taylor), on 18 July, Official Report, column 376.
§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate his Department has made of the impact a 1 per cent. annual increase in road fuel duties above the existing 5 per cent. real rate of increase would have on carbon dioxide emissions in the UK; and if he will make a statement. [8912]
§ Dawn PrimaroloPreviously published projections of carbon emissions in the year 2010 incorporate the effects of the 5 per cent. escalator to the year 2000. Real increases of 6 per cent. rather than 5 per cent. in the years to 2000 will reduce projected annual carbon emissions by around 0.2 million tonnes in the year 2010. Application of the 6 per cent. escalator for the life of this Parliament will provide savings of 2.5 million tonnes.