HC Deb 03 December 2002 vol 395 cc697-8W
Sue Doughty

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the sustainability strategy is for his Department; and if he will make a statement on how it has changed since the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg. [83498]

Dr. Moonie

Work is continuing on the development of a Ministry of Defence sustainable development strategy based on the Government's model, as set out in "A Better Quality of Life". The Strategy, which is to be taken forward by a Steering Group, chaired by Defence Estates, draws together a wide range of existing departmental activities into a single sustainability framework, comprising four separate but inter-related workstreams. These will address indicator development, appraisal tool development, training and awareness raising, and reporting.

Outcomes of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) and first views on follow-up will be reflected in the annual report on United Kingdom progress on sustainable development for 2002. Our strategy will take account of these outcomes, where they are appropriate to, or impact on the activities of, the Ministry of Defence.

More information on our strategy is contained in the Sustainable Development in Government First Annual Report, a copy of which is in the Library of the House.