HC Deb 07 September 2004 vol 424 cc942-3W
Mr. Anthony D. Wright

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to(a) maintain UK emissions targets in relation to the EU Emissions Trading Scheme National Allocation Plan and (b) incorporate a proportion of benchmarking into allocations for individual installations under these proposals; and if she will make a statement. [186254]

Mr. Morley

The UK emissions targets in relation to the EU Emissions Trading Scheme National Allocation Plan are set out in the plan that was notified to the Commission in April 2004. We have pointed out that the figures in the plan are subject to further change for a number of reasons, including final updates to the emissions projections.

Generally, the allocation to incumbent installations (those in operation prior to 1 January 2004) is calculated based on historic emissions. The allocation to new entrant installations (those in operation subsequent to a January 2004) will be calculated using a standardised benchmarking methodology.

Mr. Trimble

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the percentage allocation of emission permits under the European Union's Emissions Trading Scheme to Northern Ireland's power stations will be at the same level as the Great Britain average. [186306]

Mr. Morley

The UK National Allocation Plan that was notified to the European Commission in April, stated that the UK had yet to make a final decision on whether the particular characteristics of the electricity supply industry in Northern Ireland made it appropriate to split the power station allocation prior to distribution to installations.

We are continuing to discuss this with officials from Northern Ireland and intend to make an announcement later this year.

Richard Burden

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment has been made of the impact of UK implementation of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme on the competitiveness of vehicle manufacturing in the UK. [186278]

Mr. Morley

In the UK National Allocation Plan, sectors that are subject to international competition have been allocated according to projected need. The impact of the scheme on these sectors is expected to be similar to that of existing national policies. In those member states where more effort needs to be made to reach Kyoto targets, the impact of the scheme is expected, over time, to be that much greater.

We are aware of different proposed implementation in the French and Spanish allocation plans, which would result in the vehicle manufacturing industries in those member states not being included in the scheme. We are continuing to press the Commission to resolve this issue as soon as possible. The UK has also been lobbying the Commission to ensure their assessment of allocation plans is robust, consistent and transparent.