Written question asked by Julian Brazier (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 11 December 1996. It was answered by Lord Deben (Conservative) on Wednesday, 11 December 1996 on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Dept of the Environment

Question: Statement on the future of the UK Round Table on sustainable development.

Answer: Mr. Brazier: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the future of the UK round table on sustainable development. [9101] Mr. Gummer: The round table was set up in January 1995 and is now approaching the end of its initial two-year term. The Government are encouraged by the progress that the round table has made during this period in developing its role as a body which can build consensus on priorities and actions to assist the UK's pursuit of sustainable development. The round table is providing an increasingly valuable and welcome contribution to the continuing debate about integrating economic development and environmental protection and enhancement. I am therefore pleased to announce that its life will be extended for a further two years until January 1999. I am considering, in consultation with my colleagues, what the round table's membership should be during that period, with a view to strengthening it in some areas.

Secondary information