§ Mr. DuncanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make an announcement about his Department's spending plans for the years 1993–94 to 1995–96.
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§ Mr. HowardYes. I have today published my Department's annual report for 1993, Cm 2207. This sets out in detail the outcome of the public expenditure survey announced in the Chancellor of the Exchequer's autumn statement on 12 November 1992. It also provides the policy background to each of the spending programmes and policies and information on performance targets, output measures and value for money.
The report sets out what we are doing to improve the quality of life internationally, nationally and locally. This is the central thread which ties all our policies together.
This is true whether the policies and programmes are aimed at protecting the environment; enhancing, and improving access to, the countryside; regenerating the inner cities; helping every family to have a decent home or improving the framework for the delivery of local government services.
The environment is at the forefront of the agenda for each of these areas, and details of how environmental objectives are integrated into the Department's work are provided throughout the report.
The report plays a key part in the Department's accountability to Parliament and to the public—a significant theme of the citizens charter—with its performance and plans laid out for all to see.