Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 24 February 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 3 March 2005. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Thursday, 3 March 2005 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make a statement on the work of the taskforce on soil guidance values; and when she expects this group to report formally on the outcomes of their work and meetings.

Answer: Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the work of the task force on soil guidance values; and when she expects this group to report formally on the outcomes of their work and meetings. [218927] Mr. Morley: The Soil Guideline Values Task Force is an initiative of the Cabinet Office Business Regulation team and the Government Departments and agencies most involved in the publication of the Defra/ Environment Agency soil guideline values and related materials. This technical guidance help in assessing risk to human health in connection with land contamination, for example when considering regulatory action or proposals for development of land. In the interests of better communication with ail stakeholders the group now includes representatives from both local authorities and the private sector. It is looking at a number of issues including, training and awareness raising, timetables for further publications, and approaches to elevated ambient levels of some substances. We currently expect formal proposals from the group later in the year.

Secondary information