§ Mr. HoramTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many new policy proposals or significant changes in policy were produced in(a) 2002–03 and (b) 2003–04; how many of these were screened for their environmental impacts; and how many were the subject of separate environmental appraisals. [185104]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonThe Department published 17 regulatory impact assessments (RIAs) in 2002–03 and 18 in 2003–04. In preparing RIAs, Cabinet Office guidance states that Departments should cover the full range of potential impacts on all stakeholders—including environmental impacts where relevant.
The Department's NHS Estates Agency has published a guidance document, "Sustainable Development in the NHS" (June 2001, updated February 2003), to help hospital trusts identify environmental impacts when they are setting their policies and procedures in key areas, such as waste, energy, transport, water and procurement.
In addition the Department's Purchasing and Supplies Agency carries out environmental appraisals of its major policies and activities.