§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with other EU Ministers about exchanging information on good practice regarding the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; and if he will make a statement. [110005]
§ Mr. MeacherEU Environment Ministers regularly discuss the importance of introducing effective national, co-ordinated and Community level policies and measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In October 1999, the Council agreed that it was essential for further common and co-ordinated policies and measures to be implemented rapidly and asked the Commission to put forward a priority list as early as possible in 2000. Discussion on any new measures proposed will be informed by best practice in Member States.
§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions have taken place within the Council of Ministers regarding meeting the legally-binding targets for greenhouse gas emissions by 2010; and if he will make a statement. [110006]
§ Mr. MeacherThe Council regularly discusses climate change issues and restates its determination to delivering the reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to which the European Community and its Member States are committed under the Kyoto Protocol.
The revised Council Decision on monitoring emissions of greenhouse gases requires the Commission to prepare annual assessments of the progress of the Community and its Member States towards delivering the Kyoto targets and to report to the Council and the European Parliament. The Commission is due to produce its first report in October, providing an opportunity for further Council discussion.