§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on how his plans for(a) employment, (b) training and (c) education will incorporate the principles of sustainable development. [3581]
§ Dr. HowellsAlthough few of DfEE's policies have any significant impact on the environment, DfEE is committed to the principles of sustainable development.
We are currently setting up the Environmental Task Force (ETF), as part of the New Deal which will provide valuable work experience and training for unemployed young people. The ETF will provide a range of placements to help the local community, such as tree planting, energy efficiency measures and landscaping.
We have an environmental National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) framework and a Modern Apprenticeship NVQ Level 3 in Environmental Conservation.
We issue guidance to schools to enable them to monitor their own energy use as well as provide opportunities for pupils to learn about the environment. We are also considering the establishment of a national panel to co-ordinate environmental education and will announce our intentions in due course.