CO<SUB>2</SUB> strategy in tatters after VAT retreat

The Government's defeat over the introduction of the second stage of VAT on domestic fuel and power has demolished a central plank of its strategy to curb carbon dioxide emissions. Growing doubts are hanging over other key measures in the strategy - and the Government is now under pressure to clarify its intentions before the first conference of parties to the 1992 UN Convention on Climate Change opens in March.