§ Mr. BurgonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the response to the Government Panel on Sustainable Development's fifth annual report will be published. [108414]
§ Mr. MeacherI am pleased to announce that the Government's Response to the Fifth Annual Report of the Government Panel on Sustainable Development has been published, and that we have been able to respond positively to the Panel's recommendations. The Panel is a valuable source of advice for Government in the achievement of sustainable development. I wish to express my gratitude to the Convenor of the Panel, Sir Crispin Tickell, and his colleagues for their continued commitment to helping to identify new sustainable ways of enhancing the quality of life and prosperity for everyone.
Examples where the Government has been able to respond positively to the Panel's recommendations are:
on sustainable development and employment: we are forging links between employment and sustainable development, through the National Skills Agenda and the Environment Task Force option under the New Deal;on environmental issues and European Union: the Prime Minister's Step Change Initiative is encouraging closer co-operation in environment policy issues. The Government's continued support for the Cardiff principles is also key to achieving effective integration of sustainable development in policy making;on land use legislation: we have introduced new draft Planning Policy Guidance demonstrating the Government's commitment to developing positive policies to deliver sustainable development;also the forthcoming Urban and Rural White Papers will underline our commitment to protecting and enhancing the environment, and building sustainable communities to foster an inclusive society;finally, on the international front, we continue our efforts to protect and enhance biodiversity.I am placing copies of the response in the Library.
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