§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment what factors led to his Department's delayed implementation of the principles published in the Government documents "Appraisal and the Environment" and "Making Markets Work for the Environment''; and what has been done to rectify the delay. [40790]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe principles set out in "Policy Appraisal and the Environment" relate to the integration of environmental considerations into the formulation of policies, programmes and projects, through the use of appraisal methodology. An evaluation of the extent to which the "Policy Appraisal and the Environment" guidelines have been adhered to across Whitehall was to be undertaken last year, but had to be postponed due to resource constraints. However, consultants have now been commissioned to undertaken the study and a report is due around the end of the year. The findings should provide a good overview of the extent to which the approach in "Policy Appraisal and the Environment" is being followed, and to comment on this before seeing the report would be to pre-judge the issue. "Making Markets Work for the Environment" is concerned with developing better instruments to deliver environmental and sustainable development policies. The Government are committed to seeking an appropriate balance between direct regulation, economic instruments and voluntary actions, in a way fully consistent with the approach set out in "Making Markets Work for the Environment".