HC Deb 13 January 1999 vol 323 cc215-6W
Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will set out his responsibilities in respect of the co-ordination of Government policy on environmental issues. [63731]

Mr. Meale

Under the leaderhsip of my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister, the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions has policy responsibiities for sustainable development and the environment, including for 'greening' Government. The Deputy Prime Minister chairs the Cabinet Committee on the Environment (ENV) which considers environmental policies and co-ordinates those on sustainable development. My right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment chairs regular meetings of the Green Ministers Committee, and provides reports on the work of that Committee to the Chairman of ENV. Green Ministers are reponsible for ensuring that the right systems are in place in their Departments to support the integration of environmental considerations into policy making and operations.