51/98
9 April 1998
Government Task Force on the Industrial Use of Energy
HM Treasury, Parliament Street, London SW1P 3AG
Tel 0207 270 4938 Fax 0207 270 4827
Chairman: Sir Colin Marshall
Task Force Begins Work
The Government Task Force on the industrial use of energy, chaired by Sir Colin Marshall, held its first meeting on 6 April.
Sir Colin Marshall was appointed by the Chancellor, Gordon Brown, as announced in the recent Budget, to examine the use of economic instruments to improve the industrial and commercial use of energy, and to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Government Task Force will assist him in carrying forward this important exercise.
The UK has taken a strong lead internationally on the issue of climate change. Later this year, a legally binding commitment will be agreed as part of the EU's undertaking at Kyoto to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. All sectors of society will need to play their part in meeting this.
Within industry, the Government believes that economic instruments may offer the potential to achieve greenhouse gas reductions most cost-effectively. The Chancellor has asked Sir Colin Marshall to consider whether and, if so, how best to use economic instruments - such as an industrial energy tax and/or other market mechanisms - to improve the industrial and commercial use of energy and to help reduce industrial emissions of greenhouse gases.
Sir Colin Marshall and the Task Force intend to consult widely throughout industry and with other interested parties in the preparation of the report, which the Chancellor has asked for by the start of November 1998.
A consultation paper will be issued shortly, seeking responses as to whether, and if so, how best, economic instruments - such as an industrial energy tax and/or other market mechanisms - could be used to improve the industrial and commercial use of energy, and to help reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. All interested parties are invited to contribute their views at that stage.
Sir Colin Marshall said:
"I am looking forward to the work that lies ahead for myself and the Task Force. These are truly vital issues. I want to give an opportunity to everyone who has an interest to feed in views, and hope that as many people as possible will take time to respond to the consultation paper."
Notes for Editors
1. The Chancellor announced in his Budget Speech on March 17 that Sir Colin Marshall would lead a study into the possible use of economic instruments to help curb industrial emissions of greenhouse gases.
2. Sir Colin Marshall is the Chairman of British Airways, and President of the Confederation of British Industry. He will head a Whitehall Task Force to examine the case for using economic instruments to reduce industrial and commercial sector emissions of greenhouse gases. The Task Force consists of senior officials from HM Treasury, HM Customs and Excise, the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and the Department of Trade and Industry, and will work closely with ministers from other departments.
3. Sir Colin Marshall can be contacted through the Secretariat to the Task Force, which is based at HM Treasury, at:
Government Task Force on the Industrial Use of Energy
Room 50/3
HM Treasury Parliament Street LONDON SW1P 3AG
Tel: 0207 270 4938
Fax: 0207 270 4827
4. Any interested parties who wish to receive a copy of the consultation paper upon its release are invited to write or fax the address above, enclosing their contact details.
5. Any press enquiries should be addressed to HM Treasury Press Office, 020 270 5238.