HC Deb 05 April 1995 vol 257 cc1228-9W
Ms Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will name the green Minister for his Department and list(a) the green initiatives taken by that Minister in respect of the Department's functions, (b) the representations made by the Minister in respect of functions carried out by other Departments and (c) the input made by the Minister into consultations on the Environment Bill. [18649]

Mr. Burt

My appointment as the Minister with responsibility for green issues within the Department took place in the autumn of 1994.

I have recently instructed the Benefits Agency to set up a pilot environment management scheme to promote good practice throughout the Department.

I attended a meeting of Green Ministers in December 1994 and discussed issues which included; sustainable development, the Rural White Paper, transport and green housekeeping.

I have not provided a direct input to consultations on the Environment Bill.