HL Deb 07 March 1994 vol 552 cc1243-4

3.7 p.m.

The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Wakeham)

My Lords, I beg to move the Motion standing in my name on the Order Paper.

Moved, That a Select Committee be appointed to consider the United Kingdom Strategy for Sustainable Development (Cm 2426), and in particular to consider:

  1. (i) what specific long-term environmental objectives or targets will be required to achieve continuing policies of sustainable development; and what measures might be required to achieve those targets;
  2. (ii) how environmental factors can best be integrated into other policy areas such as transport, agriculture and energy; and how to account for natural resources and environmental pollution;
  3. (iii) how changes in lifestyle and attitudes, which will be necessary to contribute to sustainable development, can best be achieved. — (Lord Wakeham.)

Lord Renton

My Lords, I am worried about the terms of reference of this important committee. Is my noble friend aware that the more populations increase, the less easily sustainable development becomes? There is more pollution and the greater is the demand upon resources. Will my noble friend give an assurance that it is within the power of the committee to consider the effect of population increases and recommend what might be done about them or, better still, will he have the terms of reference amended so that they refer expressly to that factor?

Baroness Nicol

My Lords, I welcome the establishment of the committee, but I am disappointed that nowhere in the terms of reference are the words "environmental education" to be seen. Will the noble Lord say whether the subject is implied in the terms of reference? If not, is he prepared to have it written in?

Lord Elis-Thomas

My Lords, I warmly welcome the establishment of the committee. I seek clarification on the relationship between sustainable development as an environmental objective and the aspects of enterprise and commercial development. I believe that those are not sufficiently covered in the terms set out.

Lord Wakeham

My Lords, important matters are raised by both noble Lords and by the noble Baroness. My own view is that all the points are perfectly capable of being discussed under the terms of reference tabled in the Motion today. The terms of reference are wide; I believe that all the matters can be covered. Population, which my noble friend Lord Renton raised, is covered. Matters of education can be covered under paragraph (iii) and I believe that the anxieties of the noble Lord, Lord Elis-Thomas, are also well covered. The fact that these points have been raised will be of interest to the committee when it sets about its work.

Lord Renton

My Lords, perhaps I may have the leave of the House to speak again. I understand what my noble friend says. But does it not come to this? The committee can refer to these matters if it wishes, but it is under no express obligation to do so.

Lord Wakeham

My Lords, I do not think that the House can determine what will be the work of the committee other than in relation to the broad terms of reference. The broad terms of reference will certainly enable the committee to consider matters to do with population if it considers that relevant to its inquiry. I would have thought that such matters were relevant to the inquiry and that the committee would therefore give them some attention.

Lord Richard

My Lords, I agree with the noble Lord the Leader of the House. It seems to me that it would be difficult for any committee on sustainable development, examining long-term environmental objectives or targets— particularly if it is to consider changes in lifestyle and attitudes— to do its work without considering the question of population. The point occurred to me when I read the terms of reference. It seemed to me that the subject was covered adequately. Personally, I do not have any problem with the terms.

On Question, Motion agreed to.