§ Mr. Matthew BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he intends to issue a further draft of statutory guidance to the Environment Agency on its objectives, including the contribution it is to make towards the achievement of sustainable development. [5658]
§ Mr. ClappisonTogether with my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment is today issuing for consultation a draft of the statutory guidance which we must give to the Environment Agency about its objectives and about the contribution which it can make towards achieving the goal of sustainable development. To put that guidance in context, we are also issuing a more general document which restates the principles of sustainable development and offers a commentary on the duty which the agency has to take account of likely costs and benefits, including those to the environment.