To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change with reference to the answer of 24 November 2008, Official Report, column 1142W, on carbon emissions: local authorities, at what fixed price allowances under the Carbon Reduction Commitment will be sold in each year of the first phase. (242555)

The Government consulted in June 2007 on the price of allowances for the fixed price sales during the introductory phase of the Carbon Reduction Commitment. The Government response to the consultation, published in March 2008, stated that the Government are minded to take forward a fixed price for allowances of £12 per tonne of CO₂ for the three-year introductory phase. The fixed price for allowances will be confirmed in the consultation on the Carbon Reduction Commitment regulations which we plan to publish next spring.