Written question asked by David Chaytor (Labour) on Thursday, 10 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 21 March 2005. It was answered by David Miliband (Labour) on Monday, 21 March 2005 on behalf of the Cabinet Office.

Cabinet Office

Question: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what plans he has to reform the methodology of regulatory impact assessments in order to reflect more accurately the social and economic benefits of new environmental technologies; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Chaytor: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans he has to reform the methodology of regulatory impact assessments in order to reflect more accurately the social and economic benefits of new environmental technologies; and if he will make a statement. [221730] Mr. Miliband: The regulatory impact assessment (RIA) methodology provides for the assessment of economic, environmental and social impacts. This includes analysing the benefits that may arise from the use of environmental technology as well as any costs to UK industry. Assessments undertaken by Departments should reflect the social, environmental and economic benefits of any relevant emerging technology.

Secondary information