§ Lord Rankeillourasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they intend formally to issue the guidance that the Secretary of State for Scotland is required to give to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency under Section 31 of the Environment Act 1995.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Scottish Office (The Earl of Lindsay)A draft of the guidance which the Secretary of State for Scotland is required under Section 31 of the Environment Act 1995 to give to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency on its objectives, including the contribution it is to make towards the achievement of sustainable development, has been laid before the House for the required period of 40 sitting days. This guidance is being issued to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency today.
The Secretary of State is also formally issuing to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency a Management Statement which summarises Ministers' aims and objectives for the agency, its duties, powers and responsibilities, and its relationship with Ministers, Government Departments and other bodies.
An explanatory document, which restates the principles of sustainable development, provides non statutory guidance on particular functions and offers a commentary on the Agency's duty to take account of likely costs and benefits, is also being provided to the Agency.
Copies of these documents are being placed in the Library.