§ Ms RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many environmental appraisals were produced by his Department using the guidance contained in the Department of the Environment's "Policy Appraisal and the Environment" in 1995; and if he will place copies in the Library. [15120]
§ Mr. Roger EvansThe Department of Social Security does not currently monitor environmental appraisals. However, we have a place in a departmental environmental strategy and we are currently running an environmental pilot scheme to examine what can be achieved by environmental good practice in a number of key areas. Results from me pilot scheme will be available by the end of August 1996. It is expected that the findings will assist future project development. We are also aware of the Department of the Environment's proposed project that will examine how far environmental impacts are taken into account in policy decisions and we will be pleased to co-operate.