HC Deb 23 October 1986 vol 102 cc931-2W
Dr. Cunningham

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the progress of UK 2000, listing the membership of the board and those businesses which have agreed to sponsor schemes.

Mr. Ridley

Since the launch of UK 2000 on 14 July the board has concentrated on helping the voluntary organisations to develop projects, on seeking sponsorship, and on setting up detailed administrative arrangements. Criteria for UK 2000 projects have been defined and steps have been taken to encourage projects from other organisations not represented on the board. The target for the board to fill 5,000 Manpower Services Commission community programme places by April 1987 remains unchanged.

The names of the members of the UK 2000 board are listed in the table.

I understand that several voluntary organisations have themselves attracted sponsorship for projects; details of these agreements will be available soon. The UK 2000 central unit is separately negotiating with some 35 organisations which have expressed interest in sponsoring aspects of UK 2000, but these discussions are not yet complete.

UK 2000 Board Members Richard Branson1, (Chairman) Virgin Group; Ernest Hall1, Halifax; Jean Denton1, Rover Group; Stephen O'Brien1, Business in the Community; John Pontin1, Bristol; Ian Branton representing the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers; Brian Lymbery representing the Civic Trust; Elizabeth Hoodless representing Community Service Volunteers; Jonathan Porritt representing Friends of the Earth; John Davidson representing the Groundwork Foundation; Ian Eldridge representing the Keep Britain Tidy Group; Franklyn Perrin representing the Royal Society for Nature Conservation. 1 Serves in a personal capacity. Officials of the Department of the Environment and of the Manpower Services Commission attend board meetings as assessors.