§ Ms RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what procedures have been put in place by his Department to monitor the environmental impacts arising from the implementation of the "Capital Challenge" consultation paper; [25282]
(2) what alternative courses of action from those detailed in the "Capital Challenge" consultation paper were considered in any environmental appraisal undertaken by his Department; [25280]
(3) what environmental appraisal using the guidance contained in "Policy Appraisal and the Environment" produced by his Department the "Capital Challenge" consultation paper has been subject to; and if he will publish the appraisal; [25279]
(4) how the "Capital Challenge" consultation paper was modified by the results of any environmental appraisal undertaken by his Department. [25281]
§ Mr. ClappisonOur proposals for a capital challenge fund set out a new mechanism for supporting local authority capital expenditure. The mechanism proposed will not of itself have any direct impact on the environment and no environmental appraisal was undertaken. It is more relevant to focus on the environmental impact of spending proposals approved. I am determined that all local authority capital spending proposals, whether brought forward under capital challenge or under the existing capital finance system, should take proper account of the environmental impact of projects. I therefore intend that, should our proposed pilot scheme go ahead, all bidders would be required to provide a clear assessment of the environmental impact of their proposals. We will also look in particular for projects which reflect the Government's objectives for the promotion of sustainable development.