HC Deb 09 March 1998 vol 308 cc34-5W
Mr. Dafis

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received on a sustainable development duty from the Welsh Development Agency. [33391]

Mr. Hain

No representations on this subject have been received from the Welsh Development Agency.

Mr. Dafis

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to produce a new sustainable development strategy for Wales; and if he will make a statement. [33390]

Mr. Win Griffiths

On 4 February the Government published "Opportunities for Change", a consultation paper on a revised UK strategy for sustainable development: we plan to publish the new UK strategy by the end of the year. I hope that there will be wide participation in the consultation process from across Wales

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has moved an amendment to the Government of Wales Bill requiring the National Assembly for Wales to make a scheme setting out its proposals for securing that its functions are exercised with due regard to the principle that sustainable development should be promoted. The scheme will be published and the Assembly will be required to keep it under review. The question of a sustainable development strategy for Wales will be for the Assembly to decide.