To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the opportunities to reduce carbon emissions from air travel undertaken by Ministers and officials of her Department by greater use of video-conferencing for meetings involving international participation. (96129)

We are currently examining the feasibility of expanding significantly our video conference facilities. Environmental issues will be given full consideration. Staff are already encouraged to consider video-conferencing as an alternative to air travel: usage in our current facilities has increased at approximately 75 per cent. year on year.