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Dept for International Development

Answer

Dr. Vis: To ask the Secretary of State, Department for International Development what assessment he has made of the extent to which his Department's support for fossil fuel investment is consistent with (a) the obligations under the Kyoto Protocol and (b) the goal of reducing UK carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. [132503] Hilary Benn: The UK Government are committed to taking a lead in meeting obligations under the Kyoto Protocol, including reductions of carbon dioxide emissions. At the same time, we recognise the rights of other sovereign states to fulfil their own legitimate development needs. In considering support for fossil fuel based investments, it is standard procedure for DFID to liase with other relevant Government Departments to ensure balance and consistency between these objectives. In addition, our policy is to ensure that lending institutions take account of possible social and environmental impacts such as climate change as part of their policies and procedures in assessing fossil fuel projects, before providing loans or loan guarantees. I refer the right hon. Member for Finchley and Golders Green to the reply to his question Hansard ref 132501 on this matter. The UK Energy White Paper sets out four core objectives of UK Energy Policy: Tackling Climate Change, Energy Security, Cutting Fuel Poverty and Competitiveness. DFID is working closely with other Government Departments, notably FCO, DTI and DEFRA, to ensure a co-ordinated Whitehall approach to international energy issues.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

132503; 411 c360W;411 c364W

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Climate change International assistance Fossil fuels Loans Climate Change Convention

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk