HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : Government Task Force on the industrial Use of Energy [April 1998]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 9 April 1998.
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.”
