§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the Government"s definition of sustainability. [43575]
§ Mr. Meacher[holding answer 19 March 2002]: There are a number of definitions of sustainable development. The Government"s sustainable development strategy—"A 379W better quality of life" (Cm 4345)—defines it as "ensuring a better quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to come".
Like other definitions of sustainable development, the Government"s approach emphasises the need to try to reconcile economic, social and environmental objectives and look for the best alternative that achieves this.
The Government"s latest report on sustainable development—"Achieving a better quality of life 2001"—was published on 13 March 2002, and can be found via http://www.sustainable-development.gov.uk.