HC Deb 19 October 1999 vol 336 c490W
Mr. Brake

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the climate change programme referred to on page 47 of the Government's Annual report 1998–99 will include measures designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20 per cent. by the year 2010 based on 1990 levels. [94200]

Mr. Mullin

The draft UK climate change programme will set out the Government's strategy for meeting the UK's legally binding target agreed at Kyoto to reduce a basket of six greenhouse gases by 12.5 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2008–12 and moving towards our domestic goal to cut emissions of carbon dioxide by 20 per cent. by 2010. We are aiming to publish our draft programme towards the end of 1999 for consultation.

Mr. Chaytor

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the level of carbon dioxide emissions in(a) England, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland in each of the last 10 years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement on future targets for carbon dioxide emissions in each area. [93862]

Mr. Meacher

A report is currently being completed for the Government and the devolved Administrations which will provide details of historic emissions in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The report will detail emissions of the six greenhouse gases covered by the Kyoto Protocol for the years 1990 and 1995 and will be in the same format as that currently used for the UK-wide greenhouse gas inventory. The report is due to be published shortly. In future years, the Government plans to produce a greenhouse gas inventory for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, alongside the UK inventory, on an annual basis.

Following Kyoto in 1997, the UK has a legally binding target to cut emissions of a basket of six greenhouse gases by 12.5 per cent. below 1990 levels over the period 2008–12. The UK Government also has a domestic goal to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 20 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2010. The Government is currently developing a draft climate change programme which will set out how the UK will deliver its Kyoto target and move towards its domestic goal. We are aiming to publish the draft programme for consultation towards the end of 1999.