§ Mr. Arnoldasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking in the EC to promote a common approach to environmental issues.
§ Mr. WaldegraveIn the Council of Environment Ministers, where I represent the United Kingdom, it is my prime concern to see that a common approach is adopted where action at Community level is justified. This involves being satisfied that there is a sound scientific basis for proposed measures and that their costs and likely benefits are fully assessed. The Government have endorsed a number of important principles within the Community: that there should be an environmental dimension to other Community policies; that prevention is preferable to cure; that due regard should be paid to the "polluter pays principle" and that Community legislation should be effectively implemented. The varying environmental conditions and practices of individual member states and the need to avoid environmental policy being used to attempt to set up barriers to trade are also crucial. These considerations apply both when we respond to draft legislation from the Commission and when we put forward our own proposals, such as our successful initiatives on unleaded petrol and the introduction of a new emphasis on conservation in the common agricultural policy. Increasingly, with our partners in the Community, we are seeking better ways of working together in co-operation with countries outside the Community, especially in helping to tackle the environmental problems of developing countries.