§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the ways in which his Department has(a) demonstrated by example and (b) promoted externally, the ability to improve efficiency and competitiveness through environmental auditing; and if he will make a statement. [4534]
§ Mrs. Angela KnightAn environmental assessment using the Building Research Establishment "toolkit" has been carried out at the offices occupied by HM Treasury at Allington Towers in Victoria with a view to accreditation under ISO 14001. Extending the assessment to the main building in Parliament street—Government offices, Great George street—is not cost-effective, given the proposed redevelopment and the short time we expect to remain in the building in its current configuration. We are paying particular attention to the drive for energy efficiency to be fully recognised in the proposed redevelopment where an "excellent" rating under the Building Research Establishment environmental assessment method system is required.
External promotion of environmental auditing is the responsibility of my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Trade and Industry and the Environment.