To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 15 October 2008, Official Report, column 46WS, on the Post-Gallagher update, what assessment he has made of the effect of slowing down the rate of increase of the renewable transport fuel obligation on (a) global food prices, (b) food insecurity in developing countries, (c) biodiversity loss and (d) greenhouse gas emissions arising from indirect land use change. (229150)

Professor Gallagher's review into the indirect effects of biofuel production acknowledged that there are uncertainties about the environmental, social and economic effects. However, he also concluded that there is a risk that the uncontrolled expansion and use of biofuels could lead to unsustainable changes in land use, such as the destruction of rainforest to make way for the production of crops. That might, in turn, increase greenhouse gas emissions, as well as contributing to higher food prices and shortages.

Professor Gallagher recommended that the Government amend but not abandon their biofuels policy. The Government agree with this recommendation and are currently consulting on a proposal to slow down the rate of increase of the RTFO.

The Renewable Fuels Agency is also required to include an assessment of the wider effects of biofuel production in its annual report to Parliament. This will enable the Government to continue to gather evidence on the impacts of biofuel use to help ensure that targets are set at appropriate levels.