§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many environmental appraisals have been published by his Department since 1 January 2001; and if he will list the last four. [28999]
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§ Mr. Boateng[holding answer 21 January 2002]The Government publish an environmental appraisal and evaluation of Budget measures in each Budget and pre-Budget report. However, no stand-alone environmental appraisals have been published by my Department since 1 January 2001.
§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he last requested an environmental appraisal before making a policy decision. [29000]
§ Mr. Boateng[holding answer 21 January 2002]Where environmental considerations are relevant, they form an integral part of policy advice to Ministers.
§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what procedures his Department has to ensure environmental appraisals are undertaken prior to(a) administrative and (b) policy decisions being made. [29001]
§ Mr. Boateng[holding answer 21 January 2002]Environmental considerations are taken into account in taking important administrative and policy decisions.
The Department's policy checklist includes a section on environmental appraisals.
Where relevant goods and services are procured, prospective suppliers are asked to include an assessment of the major environmental impacts of the contract, as part of the tendering and evaluation process.
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methods (BREEAM) assessments are undertaken for new buildings and for the major refurbishment of existing buildings within the Department's estate.
§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many officials from his Department have attended the Environmental Appraisal and Integration into Policy training course run by the civil service college. [29002]
§ Mr. Boateng[holding answer 21 January 2002)No representative from HMT has attended the course referred to to date.