To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will estimate the effect on the UK's carbon dioxide emissions if the existing nuclear generating fleet was replaced by (a) coal-powered fire stations and (b) gas- fired power stations. (132111)

I have been asked to reply.

The full lifecycle release of carbon dioxide emissions from nuclear power is similar to wind power, and much less than fossil fuel plant such as coal and gas. The calculation of avoided carbon dioxide emissions if the existing nuclear generating fleet were replaced by (a) coal-powered fire stations is an increase of 44 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year and (b) gas- powered fire stations is an increase of 22 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.