Clause 44
Climate Change Bill [Lords]
1:30 pm
Phil Woolas (Minister of State (Environment), Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Oldham East and Saddleworth, Labour)
The hon. Gentleman poses an important question. The issue is widely debated in the international forum, so it is useful to have the opportunity to respond.
The word “sectoral” is used by different people in different ways. Sometimes it refers directly to a particular industrial sector. Ceramics comes to mind, for reasons that are evident on the Labour Benches, but we could also use the example of steel or aluminium. Some people use the word “sectors” to mean energy production or transport. Clearly, it is important that we answer the question posed by the hon. Member for Northavon.
Our policy is firmly based on the pre-requisite of national emissions cap and trade—national targets and binding agreements. On that basis, we believe that there may well be advantages for further reduction of emissions through sector schemes—international sector schemes on steel come to mind.