Written question asked by Peter Ainsworth (Conservative) on Friday, 18 January 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 31 January 2002. It was answered by Baroness Beckett (Labour) on Thursday, 31 January 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 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what her policy is towards reducing the level of methane emissions.

Answer: Mr. Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is towards reducing the level of methane emissions. [29620] Margaret Beckett: The Government's policy for reducing methane emissions are set out in the UK's Climate Change Programme, copies of which are in the House Libraries. A range of policies have been introduced which is leading to reductions in methane emissions. A key policy is the increased collection of landfill gas for use as energy, an important aspect of the Waste Strategy and the EU landfill directive. Emissions are also falling from other sources including the agricultural sector, coal mines and the natural gas distribution network. Methane emissions are currently projected to fall by about 45 per cent. below 1990 levels in 2010.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 29620; 379 c473W;379 c469W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Air pollution Climate change Environment protection Pollution control Waste management Methane
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk