§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the expected change in carbon dioxide emissions as a result of estimated gross domestic product growth in(a) 1998, (b) 1999 and (c) 2000. [40088]
§ Angela EagleWe expect that gross domestic product will grow by around 2.25% per year between 1998 and 2000. As I said in my answer to the hon. Member on 27 April 1998,Official Report, column 6, we estimate that the present relationship between gross domestic product growth and carbon dioxide emissions is such that every 1% increase in gross domestic product would increase emissions of carbon dioxide by around 0.5%, other things being equal. This approximate relationship may continue to apply to 2000. However, the trend in total UK emissions of carbon dioxide is likely to continue downwards over this period because the types of fuels used, the structure of the economy, and energy efficiency are also changing over time.