Environmentally Sustainable Economy

HC Deb 28 January 1999 vol 324 cc349-50W

Mr. Soames

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he has taken to encourage an environmentally sustainable economy in Britain. [67278]

Ms Hewitt

[holding answer 25 January 1999]: The Government' s approach to sustainable development is based on four broad objectives: maintenance of high and stable levels of growth and employment; social progress which recognises the needs of everyone; effective protection of the environment and prudent use of natural resources.

The Comprehensive Spending Review included a range of measures expected to make a positive impact on the environment, including additional money for the integrated transport strategy which will help tackle congestion and air pollution; more money for energy efficiency to help alleviate fuel poverty and meet our commitments on climate change; and more money to countryside programmes.

The tax system also has an important role to play in underpinning this strategy. Important changes were made to fuel duties and the landfill tax in the first two Budgets. The Government will continue to explore the scope for using the tax system to deliver environmental objectives, in line with the Statement of Intent on environmental taxation.