§ Mr. Tim SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the results of the work undertaken by Groundwork on the minerals industry and the environment.
§ Mr. YeoThe study contains six recommendations. The most important of these is that each company should establish a system of environmental management as an integral part of its organisation. This would include publishing a corporate environmental policy statement, regular monitoring of performance and a periodic 569W environmental audit. The report also recommends training, production of design manuals and codes of practice, and promotion of the importance of the industry and its environmental achievements. The role of the trade associations in achieving these aims is emphasised.
We fully endorse the recommendations, particularly the emphasis on self-regulation. Minerals are an important national resource and it is essential that the country has a continual and adequate supply. But as we said in the Environment White Paper this has to be balanced against amenity and other environmental considerations. Although the industry has made major steps in raising standards there is scope for more to be done. We believe the Groundwork report has identified a number of positive and beneficial initiatives which are to be commended to the industry. It is our intention to discuss with industry how this can be done and I look forward to their continuing support and co-operation.
As an immediate follow-up to the study the Department is to fund an initial pilot study by Groundwork to encourage the improvement of the environmental performance of the minerals industry with the aim of formulating an industry wide initiative. The project forms part of the Department's geological and minerals planning research programme and is planned to start this summer.
A copy of the report has been placed in the Library.