§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what have been the environmental achievements of the designated Green Minister in his Department during the past year.
§ Mr. EggarMy right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has designated me as the Green Minister for the Department. During the past year, we have as part of the departmental objective adopted a clear commitment to: take proper account of environmental issues in the development of its policies; stimulate an effective business response to environmental developments; and ensure that the Government's overall environmental policy takes proper account of the impact on business.
DTI's recently published annual expenditure plans report for 1993–94 to 1995–96 highlights a number of our specific environmental achievements. These include the technology partnership initiative, launched by the Prime Minister at a major conference in March, which aims to encourage the transfer of environmental technology and expertise to industrialising developing countries. The 706W Department continues to undertake substantial awareness-raising activities; for example, nearly 4,000 small and medium-sized enterprises attended DTI roadshows last year.
Also, DTI operates a number of major grant schemes for supporting innovation in environmental technology, with grants of around £12.5 million committed to date. In relation to its estate, the Department has recently adopted a green housekeeping policy.
In formulating our policy in the environmental area in general, I attach importance to the advice of the Advisory Committee on Business and the Environment. The committee also provides a useful forum for business to influence the environmental debate and promote better environmental performance.