Mr. DarfisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what contribution towards the Government's target of a 20 per cent. reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2010 he estimates will be made by(a) increases in petrol prices, (b) improvements in the fuel efficiency of vehicles and (c) reduction in the volume of road traffic. [16406]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe UK is leading the world in its efforts to combat the threat of climate change. Tackling emissions from transport will be a key element of the balanced climate change programme which we will be developing after the Kyoto conference. We are currently undertaking a fundamental review of transport policy as part of our commitment to develop an integrated transport policy. A number of transport measures are being considered carefully.
In the last Budget, the Chancellor made a commitment to increase road fuel duty by an average of 6 per cent. a year in real terms. If continued for the lifetime of this Parliament, it would produce additional savings in emissions of 2.5 million tonnes of carbon per year in 2010.
The Cleaner Vehicle Task Force, announced by the Prime Minister on Friday 14 November, will set up a new partnership between Government and industry to promote the production and sales of cleaner vehicles. Encouraging the uptake of more fuel-efficient and greener cars, will be an important contribution to reducing CO2 emissions from transport.