Written question asked by Lord Barker of Battle (Conservative) on Tuesday, 18 April 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 April 2006. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Wednesday, 26 April 2006 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Climate Change Targets

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what plans she has to ensure that her Department's progress in meeting domestic climate change targets is effectively monitored;

Answer: [holding answer 24 April 2006]: The new Climate Change Programme, published in March 2006, sets out a range of policies to support our national climate change goals. These include measures to support increased electricity generation from renewable sources, to encourage energy efficiency measures in households, and to provide more reliable consumer product information. The Programme will also support more sustainable transport choices, introduce higher standards for energy efficiency in buildings, and finance energy efficiency measures for public sector organisations.Defra is also consulting on the draft of the UK's National Allocation Plan for the second phase of the EU emissions trading scheme. The Scheme is a central element of the energy supply and business sectors' contribution to our policies to tackle climate change.Existing and new policies set out in the Programme are expected to reduce the UK's carbon dioxide emissions to 15 to 18 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2010. This would take the Government close to their domestic target to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2010.The Government issue annual updates on the UK's greenhouse gas emissions. The final emissions estimates for 2004 were published on 23rd January 2006, and can be viewed at:"http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2006/06Q123b.htm"The Government will also be reporting annually to Parliament on emissions levels.

Secondary information