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US-UK Energy Dialogue

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made in the US-UK Energy Dialogue to enhance co-ordination and co-operation on energy issues between Britain and the United States of America; on what dates since 1 January she has held meetings with the United States Commerce Secretary at which the US-UK Energy Dialogue was discussed; and where each of these meetings was held. [142390]

Mr. Timms: Officials from US Departments of Energy, Commerce and State meet regularly with officials in the Department of Trade and Industry and FCO to discuss shared interests in the field of energy. Topics include security and diversity of international energy supplies, the role of energy in development, how to promote clean energy technologies to address security of supply and environmental challenges, and national energy policy. We have had detailed discussions on science and technology matters and used the existing

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Memorandum of Understanding to develop joint activities on the contribution of basic science to meeting energy challenges, cleaner fossil fuels, the development of a hydrogen economy and carbon capture and storage.

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My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has not had any meeting with Department of Commerce Secretary Don Evans to discuss energy issues this year.

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