§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the ways in which his Department has(a) demonstrated by example and (b) promoted externally, the ability to improve efficiency and competitiveness through environmental auditing; and if he will make a statement. [4524]
§ Mr. BoswellThe Department will shortly undertake specific environmental audits at some of its major sites as a continuing part of its green housekeeping strategy. We are committed to observing wherever possible best environmental practice in the management of our estate, in our approach to purchasing goods and services, in the disposal of waste and in all of our day-to-day operations. 99W We promote sound and cost-effective environmental practices and foster an understanding of environmental issues amongst the staff.
The Department also has a number of wider initiatives to improve environmental performance. These include appraisal of the environmental impacts of policies where these are significant; monitoring and evaluation of policies to provide feedback on environmental performance; and annual review of the Department's environmental commitments in "This Common Inheritance; UK Annual Report". I am the Department's nominated Green Minister, charged with integrating environmental considerations into our strategies and policies.
The Department also supports initiatives in the agricultural industry to improve environmental performance and competitiveness through achieving recognised environmental standards. The LEAF initiative—linking the environment and farming—is one example of an industry-led environmental audit. The MAFF codes of good agricultural practice set out industry-wide standards for the protection of air, soil and water.