§ 5. Mr. David Hanson (Delyn)What steps he is taking to encourage business to adopt a sustainable use of resources. [47624]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Angela Eagle)Sustainable use of resources is the focus for many existing Government programmes and at the heart of the current consultation on sustainable business, launched on 18 June. The responses will inform future policy and programmes, and help to shape the Government's wider strategy on sustainable development.
§ Mr. HansonI thank my hon. Friend for that answer. Will she confirm that it is vital that business people take up the challenge offered by sustainable business and look towards making their businesses sustainable for the future? Will she outline how she intends to encourage good practice in business to ensure that we have sustainable development? What do the Government intend to do with businesses that are recalcitrant in that respect?
§ Angela EagleOne of the best arguments for that challenge to be taken up by business people is that it 850 enables businesses to produce more, more cheaply, and therefore to make higher profits if they get it right. Businesses need to understand the potential for savings, as demonstrated by the Government's energy efficiency best practice programme. For example, a 40 per cent. saving on fuel bills can be made if combined heat and power is installed. A range of other savings can be made in many, sometimes surprising, areas. British businesses need to take account of those and put them into effect.
§ Sir Michael Spicer (West Worcestershire)One of the ideas that are apparently floating around the Department is that the water that farmers use for irrigation should be rationed. Will the minister confirm that farmers already pay for the water they use for irrigation according to usage, so it would be entirely unnecessary and completely unfair to impose this further burden on agriculture?
§ Angela EagleIt is for the water companies to ensure that supplies are available in their areas, and to charge accordingly. The hon. Gentleman will know that not only is the Office of Water Services undertaking a review, but the Government launched a review of charging and abstraction at the water summit after we came into power. Perhaps the matter will be clearer once the reviews have reported.