HL Deb 12 July 1996 vol 574 cc37-8WA
The Earl of Balfour

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they intend to lay before Parliament a draft of the guidance to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, as required under Section 31 of the Environment Act 1995.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Scottish Office (The Earl of Lindsay)

My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Scotland is today laying before the House a draft of the guidance required under Section 31 of the Environment Act 1995 to give to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency on its objectives, including the contribution it is to make towards the achievement of sustainable development.

The agency will also be provided with an explanatory document which provides background information to set the statutory guidance into context and offers a commentary on SEPA's duty to take account of likely costs and benefits. Copies of this document have been placed in the Library.