asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether their recent contacts with representatives of the aluminium industry show progress in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. [HL3613]

BERR has regular contact with the UK aluminium industry's trade association, Aluminium Federation (ALFED) and UK aluminium companies such as Anglesey Aluminium. We have had insight through the data provided by the aluminium industry on the positive measures they are taking to reduce CO₂ emissions.

We understand that the EU aluminium industry has reduced its total direct CO₂ emissions from primary aluminium smelters by 49 per cent and its Perflouro carbon (PFC) emissions by 83 per cent between 1990 and 2005^*. UK primary aluminium smelters are at or close to world leading CO₂ efficiency for the technology employed. The sector as a whole is increasing international focus on the potential of industry sectoral agreements or approaches in delivering global reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

* Figures provided by the European Association of Metals and the European Aluminium Association.