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Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Answer

Mr. Chaytor: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the level of carbon dioxide emissions in (a) England, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland in each of the last 10 years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement on future targets for carbon dioxide emissions in each area. [93862] Mr. Meacher: A report is currently being completed for the Government and the devolved Administrations which will provide details of historic emissions in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The report will detail emissions of the six greenhouse gases covered by the Kyoto Protocol for the years 1990 and 1995 and will be in the same format as that currently used for the UK-wide greenhouse gas inventory. The report is due to be published shortly. In future years, the Government plans to produce a greenhouse gas inventory for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, alongside the UK inventory, on an annual basis. Following Kyoto in 1997, the UK has a legally binding target to cut emissions of a basket of six greenhouse gases by 12.5 per cent. below 1990 levels over the period 2008-12. The UK Government also has a domestic goal to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 20 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2010. The Government is currently developing a draft climate change programme which will set out how the UK will deliver its Kyoto target and move towards its domestic goal. We are aiming to publish the draft programme for consultation towards the end of 1999.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

93862; 336 c490W

Session

1998-99

Subjects

Air pollution Carbon dioxide Environment protection Northern Ireland Pollution control Scotland Standards Wales

Contains statistics

Yes