§ Ms RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many civil servants have been given formal training on the use of "Policy Appraisal and the Environment"; and what plans the Department has to increase awareness of "Policy Appraisal and Environment" among Government Departments. [35643]
§ Mr. ClappisonA total of 248 members of my Department were given formal training on the use of "Policy Appraisal and the Environment". I understand that 93 members of Government Departments received training from the Civil Service College.
As far as increasing awareness of "Policy Appraisal and the Environment" is concerned, consultants have been appointed who will evaluate the degree to which "Policy Appraisal and the Environment" has been used by Government Departments and recommend how the integration of environmental considerations into policy making in government can be reinforced. Green Ministers intend to publish a booklet of case studies which will show what measures Departments have taken to ensure that environmental considerations are taken into account in policies and programmes. All directors in my 261W Department have recently been reminded of the guidance in "Policy Appraisal and the Environment" and of the need to appraise policies with a significant environmental impact.
§ Ms RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 27 June, Official Report, column 222, if he will list the non-ministerial departments which will be included in the work of the consultants appointed by his Department to evaluate the degree to which "Policy Appraisal and the Environment" has been used by Government Departments. [36625]
§ Mr. Clappison"Policy Appraisal and the Environment" is intended to guide those in central Government who are charged with advising Ministers on policies. The evaluation will therefore aim to consider appraisal practices throughout central Government only. It will not include executive agencies or other organisations.