§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many environmental appraisals have been published by his Department since 1 January 2001; and if he will list the last four. [29028]
§ Dr. John ReidThe work of the Northern Ireland Office only rarely if ever has a direct impact on the environment.
It is normal practice in the Department for the implications of administrative and policy decisions to be analysed rigorously prior to any decision being taken. If environmental considerations emerged, appropriate appraisals would be conducted.
§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) when the last occasion was on which he requested an environmental appraisal before making a policy decision; [29029]
(2) what procedures his Department has to ensure environmental appraisals are undertaken prior to (a) administrative and (b) policy decisions being made. [29030]
§ Dr. John ReidI refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave for question ref. 29028.