Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Thursday, 16 October 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 October 2003. It was answered by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Monday, 20 October 2003 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, whether his Department has carried out an analysis of the extent to which his Department's support for fossil fuel investment is consistent with (a) the United Kingdom's obligations under the Kyoto Protocol and (b) the Government's environmental aims.

Answer: Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether his Department has carried out an analysis of the extent to which his Department's support for fossil fuel investment is consistent with (a) the United Kingdom's obligations under the Kyoto Protocol and (b) the Government's environmental aims. [133630] 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 liaise 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.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 133630; 411 c359W;411 c363W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Climate change International assistance Fossil fuels Loans Climate Change Convention
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk