§ Mr. Charles ClarkeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what guidance his Department currently offers to(a) local authorities and (b) the Housing Corporation to ensure that they take into full account the environmental impact of new building projects; [4515]
(2) what guidance his Department currently offers to local 0authorities and other public transport authorities to ensure that they take into full account the environmental impact of new building projects; [4518]
(3) what guidance his Department currently offers to local police and fire authorities to ensure that they take into full account the environmental impact of new building projects. [4519]
§ Mr. Raynsford[holding answer 19 June 1997]: My Department has issued guidance to developers and local authorities on the requirement for formal environmental assessment for certain new building projects which are likely to have significant effect on the environment. Guidance has also been issued to developers regarding the energy efficiency of new and existing buildings, more environmentally sensitive construction methods and, through the Building Research Establishment, a range of other topics concerned with minimising the environmental impact of new buildings.