Written question asked by Caroline Lucas (Green Party) on Tuesday, 20 July 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 22 July 2010. It was answered by James Paice (Conservative) on Tuesday, 27 July 2010 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Sustainable Development Commission

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the contribution of the Sustainable Development Commission to the Government's sustainability strategy.

Answer: The Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) has made a positive contribution across Government and society over the past 10 years and I pay tribute to its work and to the current and previous chairs, Will Day and Jonathon Porritt.As the Sustainable Development Commission's report on Sustainable Development in Government, published on 22 July, makes clear, there is more to be done. The Prime Minister has pledged that this will be the greenest Government ever. While Government have made progress, we need to take more concerted action on the carbon agenda, led by DECC, and also on the wider sustainability agenda including waste, water, biodiversity, resource efficiency and other areas which DEFRA leads on. As set out in our Structural Reform Plan, this will help to mainstream sustainability and strengthen the Government's performance.As the Secretary of State announced in a written ministerial statement on 22 July 2010, Official Report, columns 31-33WS, to do this effectively across Government, DEFRA will establish an enhanced departmental capability and presence on sustainable development and withdraw funding from the SDC from the next financial year, increasing Government responsibility and transparency.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 10941; 514 c1094W
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Sustainable Development
Thursday, 18 November 2010
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Sustainable Development Commission
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk