§ Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the terms of reference of UK 2000; what tasks it is currently handling; and what is the precise role of Mr. Richard Branson.
§ Mr. TrippierThe objectives of UK 2000 are:
- (a) to increase the quality and quantity of practical improvements to the urban and rural environment;
- (b) to offer challenging and worthwhile work experience for community programme participants and volunteers;
- (c) to establish new enterprises based on the natural or man-made environment.
Work is focused on specific themes. Currently these are:
greening the cities, by bringing neglected land into use as parks, walkways, wildlife reserves, or city farms;conserving and restoring industrial heritage, with work on canals, railways and mills;tackling litter, especially on beaches and roadsides;helping tourists by improving information and facilities;making more of nature: improving lesser known and lesser cared for woodlands, ponds, paths and other habitats;recycling rubbish, to encourage the conservation of natural resources.At present UK 2000 has 214 projects under way involving 3,900 Community Programme workers and 7,000 volunteers.
725WMr. Richard Branson is the chairman of the board set up to direct UK 2000.