DTI must not dampen success of emissions trading - Baker

Commenting on the National Audit Office Report on the UK Emissions Trading Scheme, Norman Baker MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, said:

"The emissions trading scheme is a concept that the Liberal Democrats have long argued for and fully support. It has the potential to lead to significant reductions in carbon emissions from industry.

"However, it is important that the targets set for the years ahead do drive down emissions, as DEFRA wants, and do not simply endorse business as usual, which is what the DTI is arguing for.

"We have already seen the DTI overrule DEFRA on a whole range of environmental matters, from abandoned cars to printer cartridges to radioactive waste. It would be welcome if this time DEFRA and the environment can win, rather than the smokestack DTI."