§ Baroness Rawlingsasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they intend formally to issue the guidance which Ministers are required to give to the Environment Agency under Section 4 of the Environment Act 1995.
The Minister of State, Department of the Environment (Earl Ferrers)A draft of the guidance which, under Section 4 of the Environment Act 1995, Ministers are required to give to the Environment Agency on its objectives, including the contribution it is to make towards the achievement of sustainable development, has been laid before the House for the required period of 40 sitting days. Together with my right honourable friends, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and the Secretary of State for Wales, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for the Environment is today formally issuing this guidance to the Environment Agency.
We are also formally issuing to the Environment Agency a management statement which summarises Ministers' aims and objectives for the agency, its duties, powers and responsibilities, and its relationship with Ministers, government departments and other bodies.
An explanatory document which restates the principles of sustainable development, provides nonstatutory guidance on particular functions and offers a commentary on the agency's duty to take account of likely costs and benefits is also being provided to the agency.
Copies of these documents have been placed in the Library.