§ Ms RuddockTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will name the green Minister for his Department and list(a) the green initiatives taken by that Minister in respect of the Department's functions, (b) the representations made by the Minister in respect of the functions carried out by other Departments and (c) the input made by the Minister into consultations on the Environment Bill. [18642]
Mr. John. M. TaylorI am the green Minister for the Lord Chancellor's Department.
The initiatives taken by my Department relate mainly to its environmental impact as a consumer. The Department is continuing and intensifying its efforts to improve energy efficiency. It has an on-going programme to maintain and, where appropriate, upgrade the historic buildings on our estate. It has ensured that the design of new court buildings takes full account of environmental concerns and, in the procurement of goods and services, it takes all reasonable steps to maximise the use of recycled and renewable resources.
I have regular discussions with other green Ministers on the ways of achieving the Government objectives in this area.