§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to pages 24 and 29, volume 6 of the appropriation accounts 1995–96, class VII, vote 3—HC ii-VI, Session 1996–97—what factors underlay the reductions in expenditure on(a) environmental protection in industry, with particular reference to the reasons for underbidding in the programme for the promotion of positive environmental management and (b) OECD contribution towards the framework convention on climate change. [15660]
§ Mr. GummerThe promotion of positive environmental management in industry programme was established in response to a recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Business and Environment. It supports intermediaries working to raise awareness of environmental issues among small and medium firms and helps them improve their environmental performance. The programme primarily supports six pilot local initiatives, and expenditure on these was as planned during 1995-96. A small proportion of the budget was set aside for work with other business support organisations, but fewer suitable projects were identified than originally envisaged, leading to expenditure lower than forecast.
The initial UK allocation for contributions to international climate change organisations was £725,000 for 1995–96. This included an allowance for the UK contribution to the administrative cost of the framework convention on climate change. Negotiations at the first conference of the parties in spring 1995 led to a reduction in the draft convention budget for 1996 and it was also decided that the cost of conference and subsidiary body meetings would be funded form the main UN budget. Hence, actual expenditure in 1995–96 was £224,000 lower than originally estimated.