§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the annual spending by his Department on Local Agenda 21 work; how much is distributed to local authorities; what allowance is made in standard spending assessments for Local Agenda 21 to each local authority; and if he will make a statement. [19067]
§ Mr. ClappisonIn 1995–96, my Department is contributing up to £12,000 for local authorities to set up round table discussions with different groups interested in Local Agenda 21. It is also giving £20,554 to the local authority associations for the provision of guidance to local authorities on auditing sustainable development, and £25,000 for the development and promotion of the 105W eco-management and audit scheme for local government. Many of the projects funded by the Department's environmental action fund, which totals £4 million in 1995–96, also support Local Agenda 21. Standard spending assessments take account of the wide range of local authorities' spending, including Local Agenda 21 work, but do not include a specific element for such expenditure.