I propose to take Questions Nos. 266 and 345 together.
I refer to the reply to Question No. 720 on 7 November 2000. The operation of international emissions trading will be dependent on the outcome of the negotiations at the sixth conference of the parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
In relation to the operation of emissions trading within the EU, the European Commission has published a Green Paper on Emissions Trading for consultation purposes which envisages, inter alia, the operation of a pilot emissions trading system from 2005. The Government is committed to active participation in the development and implementation of this system. In light of decisions at international level, and the experienced gained by the EU in any pilot scheme, necessary decisions will be taken at national level and legislative underpinning put in place for domestic and international emissions trading.