Written question asked by Vincent Cable (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 15 October 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 22 October 2002. It was answered by Michael Meacher (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 October 2002 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, by what percentage (a) greenhouse gas and (b) CO2 emissions in 2001 differed from those of 1990 ; and if she will make a statement. - Includes figures.

Answer: Dr. Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry by what percentage (a) greenhouse gas and (b) CO2 emissions in 2001 differed from those of 1990 ; and if she will make a statement. [75126] Mr. Meacher: I have been asked to reply. UK emissions data for the year 2001 will be finalised in March 2003 and submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in April next year, as required by the UK's international reporting obligations. UK data to the year 2000 reported and published last March show that total greenhouse gas emissions decreased by some 12.8 per cent. over the period 1990 to 2000. Carbon dioxide fell by about 7.5 per cent. Provisional carbon dioxide emissions estimates for 2001 are available. These indicate that emissions have reduced by about 6.1 per cent. between 1990 and 2001. The increase between 2000 and 2001 is attributed to outside temperature differences and an increase in coal consumption linked to an increase in gas prices relative to coal prices.

Secondary information