§ Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domerasked Her Majesty's Government:
What support they have given to the European Union flower mark eco-labelling scheme over the last three years either financially or in Civil Service support. [HL4797]
§ Lord WhittyOver the last three years the department has been actively supporting the EU ecolabel scheme (the flower mark) in a number of related ways, which involve administration and promotion of the scheme in the UK and the development of strategy and technical content for the scheme at EU level. In terms of staff support, Defra acts as the UK's competent body for the scheme and its officials are therefore responsible for administering the scheme in the UK and for representing the UK in EU meetings about the scheme. Officials are supported by specialist contractors who advise on technical and scientific aspects of the scheme. Other financial commitments include work on the development of new product criteria and the126WA promotion of the scheme through a range of media. At the EU level the UK plays an active part in supporting and advancing the scheme, for example in leading the development process for several product groups and in chairing the policy committee which is looking at options for the future of the scheme and its contribution to other product-related policies.