§ Ms RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish the environmental appraisal conducted in accordance with guidance contained in "Policy Appraisal and the Environment" for the forthcoming Government response to the report of the United Kingdom biodiversity steering group. [29492]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe United Kingdom steering group took account of the guidance set out in the booklet, "Policy Appraisal and the Environment", in preparing the costed action plans for key species and habitats contained in the group's report. The Government's response to the report, published on 15 May 1996, accepts the order of costs involved as a best estimate at this time by leading scientists and economists in this field. As more detailed implementation plans are drawn up the costs and benefits may well become clearer. If these differ significantly from the group's estimates, they will be referred to the UK biodiversity group.