§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what management procedures have been introduced in his Department to ensure that the new environmental policies being developed by the Treasury are communicated(a) internally to all branches of his 686W Department involved in policy formulation and resource accounting, (b) to Ministers and officials of other Government Departments and (c) to chief executives of non-departmental public bodies and nationalised industries. [29272]
§ Dawn PrimaroloThe Treasury's principal aim is to raise the long-term rate of sustainable growth. This aim is communicated to all parts of the Department through management objectives. The Treasury reports on progress against its aims in its Departmental Annual Report.
The Treasury has revised its guidance on policy appraisal (Appraisal and Evaluation in Central Government, 1997) to make clear that environmental effects need to be considered alongside others in appraising and evaluating policies. This is the central guidance which all those carrying out appraisals in Government are expected to follow. Copies of the new version, which is available to the public, have been circulated widely within Treasury and other Government Departments. Treasury officials are working closely with Departments to ensure that they are following the new procedures.
Forthcoming revisions to Government Accounting will also make clear that good appraisal and evaluation, taking account of environmental impacts, are an essential part of achieving value for money. Government Accounting is the rulebook for Government finance. All staff in the Treasury and other Departments and Non-Departmental Public Bodies who are involved in finance and accounting will receive copies of the revised chapter and will be expected to follow it. The National Audit Office monitors compliance with the rules of Government Accounting in Departments.
Revenue Departments preparing submissions for the Budget are required to comment on the environmental implications of main proposals. The Treasury is encouraging other Departments to do the same with their Budget submissions.
The Treasury has a strategy for improving the environmental impact of its own domestic operations. This is available to all staff and the general public on the Internet.