§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what measures he is taking to stimulate debate across the country on the first set of sustainable development indicators, as envisaged in paragraph 171 of "This Common Inheritance" United Kingdom annual report 1996. [25840]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe report on indicators of sustainable development for the United Kingdom published on 12 March provides a preliminary set of indicators. The report invites comments and ideas from readers which will be taken into account in developing the indicators further. Further discussions will take place with local authority68W associations, non-governmental organisations, and academic and research organisations.
The Secretary of State has also written to his ministerial counterparts in other EU member states drawing attention to the work that the UK has done in developing indicators, inviting their views on the UK indicator package and to share their countries' experiences in this area.
The Department of the Environment also intends to hold a seminar this summer for a thorough examination of the indicators, inviting participants from national and local government, industry, commerce, non-governmental organisations and the academic community.