§ Dr. WhiteheadTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact of EU environmental directives in(a) Southampton, (b) Newcastle, (c) Hull, (d) Sheffield, (e) Manchester, (f) Rotherham, (g) Dover, (h) Bristol, (i) Bath, (j) Sunderland, (k) Birmingham and (l) Leicester. [98576]
§ Mr. MullinThe majority of Environmental Directives are implemented on a national basis and have objectives which go beyond local authority, regional and even national boundaries. Information is not collated in such a manner as to yield a measure of impact of EU environmental Directives on specific towns and cities. The environmental benefits will however be felt in these localities in terms of improved air and water quality and other environmental improvements.
Regulatory impact assessments are carried out from the earliest stages of development of a proposal within the European Commission, through to the adoption of all Directives. This includes a review of the costs and benefits of various options for giving effect to EC legislation including those which do not involve UK legislation. This involves full public consultation where appropriate. The review continues, when necessary, during the process of transposition.