Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 3 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 November 2004. It was answered by David Jamieson (Labour) on Monday, 8 November 2004 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Dept for Transport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the potential for tackling climate change from the introduction of zero emission fuel cell powered light trams; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the potential for tackling climate change from the introduction of zero emission fuel cell powered light trams; and if he will make a statement. [196828] Mr. Jamieson: The Department for Transport has not made any detailed assessment of the potential for fuel cell powered light trams to tackle climate change. The extent to which such vehicles would deliver carbon savings would depend, among other things, on how the hydrogen for the fuel cell was produced, distributed and stored. The cost of delivering these carbon savings would need to be considered against the costs of delivering similar carbon savings from other sectors. The review of the Government's climate change programme, on which a consultation document is due to be published shortly, will consider the scope for securing additional carbon savings from the transport sector and other sectors.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 426 c495W; 196828
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Air pollution Environment protection Pollution control Rapid transit systems Trams Fuel cells
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk