HC Deb 14 October 1991 vol 196 cc12-3W
Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what powers he has to regulate the standards of performance and qualifications of private planning agents.

Mr. Yeo

I do not think that these are appropriate matters for Government control. Those who use private planning consultants should satisfy themselves about their probity and competence. The Royal Town Planning Institute and other professional institutions set standards for the training and professional conduct of their members.

Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about progress towards a system for green labelling for the United Kingdom.

Mr. Baldry

The Government have been encouraged by the progress that has been made towards agreeing a Communitywide eco-labelling scheme. We are optimistic that the regulation will be agreed at the Environment Council in December and that the scheme will become operational in 1992.