§ Lord Brougham and Vauxasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they intend to lay before Parliament a draft of the guidance that Ministers are required to give to the Environment Agency under Section 4 of the Environment Act 1995.
Earl FerrersTogether with my right honourable friends the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Secretary of State for Wales, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for the Environment is today laying before the House a draft of the guidance which Ministers are required under Section 4 of the Environment Act 1995 to give to the Environment Agency on its objectives, including the contribution it is to make towards the achievement of sustainable development. We will also be providing to the Environment Agency an explanatory document which sets the statutory guidance into context and offers a commentary on the agency's duty to take account of likely costs and benefits. Copies of this document have been placed in the Library.