§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what weight is given in cost-benefit analyses to environmental criteria in assessing road and rail schemes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. McLoughlin[holding answer 15 April 1991]: In reaching a decision on a particular transport infrastructure scheme, we take great care to ensure that full weight is given to the environmental as well as the economic consequences. Where a scheme may give rise to significant environmental effects, an environmental assessment is prepared and the impacts quantified, where practical. The full range of evidence on economic, environmental and other effects is gathered to inform decision making, whether or not it can be quantified or expressed in monetary values.