Written question asked by Martin Horwood (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 7 October 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 12 October 2011. It was answered by Lord Barker of Battle (Conservative) on Wednesday, 12 October 2011 on behalf of the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

Carbon Emissions: Shipping

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what progress he has made on negotiations to apply a carbon price to international shipping emissions.

Answer: The UK Government believe that a global emissions trading system that places a price on carbon would be the best way of reducing international shipping emissions effectively and efficiently. We continue to push for progress towards this goal in the International Maritime Organization.Last year, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, my right hon. Friend the Member for Eastleigh (Chris Huhne), played an active role in the UN Secretary-General's High Level Group on Climate Financing (AGF), which found that applying a carbon price to the international shipping sector could provide a feasible source of climate financing. The UK has been pushing for progress on agreeing these recommendations through the EU, UNFCCC and the G20.

Secondary information