HC Deb 11 December 1996 vol 287 cc215-6W
Mr. Brazier

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the future of the UK round table on sustainable development. [9101]

Mr. Gummer

The round table was set up in January 1995 and is now approaching the end of its initial two-year term. The Government are encouraged by the progress that the round table has made during this period in developing its role as a body which can build consensus on priorities and actions to assist the UK's pursuit of sustainable development. The round table is providing an increasingly valuable and welcome contribution to the continuing debate about integrating economic development and environmental protection and enhancement. I am therefore pleased to announce that its life will be extended for a further two years until January 1999. I am considering, in consultation with my colleagues, what the round table's membership should be during that period, with a view to strengthening it in some areas.