asked Her Majesty’s Government:

Whether they will develop plans for an oil-free economy in the United Kingdom. [HL4681]

The 2007 energy White Paper (www.dti.gov.uk/energy/whitepaper/page39534.html) sets out the policies that the Government are putting in place to help the UK to become a low-carbon economy, including measures that will help to reduce our dependence on oil supplies.

However, while renewables and other low-carbon technologies will play an increasing role in the UK and global energy mix over the longer term, the White Paper recognises that fossil fuels such as oil will continue to be the predominant source of energy for the foreseeable future. Global fossil fuel resources are still plentiful and markets are well developed to meet future global demand and trade.