§ 15. Mr. DalyellTo ask the Minister of State for Cabinet Office what the role of his office is with regard to(a) climate change and (b) international climate change discussions. [23458]
The Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of StateI continue to play a role on international climate change discussions and negotiations on behalf of my right hon. Friend The Prime Minister. I work to foster effective relationships internationally at the highest political level. The UK's negotiating positions for international negotiations on climate change are agreed through the 823W Cabinet Committee on the Environment, which I chair. The lead Department for climate change is DEFRA, which retains policy responsibility for international negotiations and implementation of the UK's policies. My office works closely with them and with other Departments with a key interest on strategic and cross-departmental issues.
§ 24. Mr. BurstowTo ask the Minister of State for Cabinet Office if he will set out the part his Department has played in co-ordinating Government work on climate change in the last month. [23468]
The Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of StateDuring the last month the Cabinet Office has continued to work with other Government Departments— including DEFRA which has lead responsibility for climate change—in furthering Government policy on climate change.
The Cabinet Office has provided support to me as I continue to pursue international agreement on climate change on behalf of The Prime Minister.