Mr. Gareth R. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what further action she will be taking to encourage businesses to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases. [411]
§ Mr. WilsonThe UK's Climate Change Programme, published last November, sets out the Government's approach to tackling climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For business this draws together a range of policies and measures. These include
Regulation, such as the implementation of the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive through the Pollution Prevention and Control regulations, requiring major industrial plants to take up best available techniques for energy efficiency;The Climate Change Levy package, which was introduced in April this year, including the associated climate change levy agreements for energy intensive industries and exemption for renewable sources of energy and good quality combined heat and power; and an enhanced capital allowances scheme;A UK Emissions Trading Scheme, due to start in April 2002, with Government funding of £215 million (net of corporation tax) over a five year period. to encourage companies to participate;Technology development through the formation of the Carbon Trust to deliver an integrated programme of support to accelerate the take up of low carbon technologies, and help business to prepare for a low carbon future.