Prime Minister's question asked in the House of Commons, by Colin Challen (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 29 October 2008 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Engagements

Question: In these difficult financial times, I know that we have to extract value for money wherever we can and that difficult decisions will have to be made. We also face the threat of climate change, which puts extra demands on the economy and what the Government have to finance. May I draw my right hon. Friend's attention to my early-day motion 2351—““Climate change and the UK's contribution to the Kopernikus satellite programme””? It is a very important scientific programme to monitor, given the impact of climate change—[Interruption.]—so would it be possible for me and a small delegation of British scientists to meet the Prime Minister to discuss the importance of this programme to the UK economy?

Answer: I am very happy to do so, and I must say that I thought climate change was an issue that both sides of the House wanted to take action on. We recognise the importance of understanding and monitoring climate change. No decision has yet been taken on the level of UK funding, but a final decision will be taken in advance of the ministerial meeting in late November. I applaud my hon. Friend for everything he has done to raise these issues—through the European Space Agency's programme and the wider work that he does on the environment. I used to think that the Tories supported a green policy, but now I am not so sure.

Secondary information