Eco-management and Audit Scheme

HC Deb 11 July 1995 vol 263 cc547-8W

Mr. Booth

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has been made on registrations under the EC eco-management and audit scheme. [34285]

Mr. Gummer

I am delighted to be able to tell the hon. Gentleman that the National Accreditation Council for Certification Bodies has accredited the first three verifiers for the EC's eco-management and audit scheme. I congratulate the new verifiers, and I look forward to receiving the first applications for EMAS registration very shortly.

EMAS is an important initiative which provides a powerful voluntary framework for securing environmental improvements. I hope that businesses in the United Kingdom will respond positively and will be among the leaders in Europe in demonstrating a proactive approach to environmental issues.