§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what estimate her Department has made of the value of the global environmental services market; and what measures she has undertaken to promote the interests of United Kingdom companies in this sector. [29016]
§ Mr. BattleThe UK environmental industry has tremendous potential to generate new technologies to boost the UK economy while at the same time finding solutions to environmental problems. The world market for environmental equipment and services was estimated as being worth approximately $280 billion (US) in 1997.
The Government provide support for the environmental goods and services industry through the Joint DTI/DETR Environmental Markets Unit (JEMU). JEMU consulted the industry last summer on proposals for a three year strategy for promoting and supporting the industry at home and overseas. Following consultation, JEMU has developed the strategy in the form of a business plan. This document sets out a programme of work for the next three years and is expected to be published on 18 March.