§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the extent to which his Department's support for fossil fuel investment is consistent with (i) the UK's obligations under the Kyoto Protocol and (ii) the Government's target to reduce the UK's carbon dioxide emissions by 60 per cent. from 1990 levels by 2050; and if he will make a statement. [132457]
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§ Hilary BennThe UK government are committed to taking a lead in meeting obligations under the Kyoto Protocol, including reductions of carbon dioxide emissions. At the same time, we recognise the rights of other sovereign states to fulfil their own legitimate development needs. In considering support for fossil fuel based investments, it is standard procedure for DFID to liaise with other relevant Government Departments to ensure balance and consistency between these objectives. In addition, our policy is to ensure that lending institutions take account of possible social and environmental impacts such as climate change as part of their policies and procedures in assessing fossil fuel projects, before providing loans or loan guarantees.
The UK Energy White Paper sets out four core objectives of UK Energy Policy: Tackling Climate Change, Energy Security, Cutting Fuel Poverty and Competitiveness. DFID is working closely with other Government Departments, notably FCO, DTI and DEFRA, to ensure a co-ordinated Whitehall approach to international energy issues.