---

Prime Minister

Answer

Mr. Llew Smith: To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the set of common values as part of core environmental principles to which he made reference in his speech on environmental policy at the Joint Green Alliance/CBI Partnership meeting on 24 October. [135435] The Prime Minister: As is set out in the Sustainable Development Strategy, `A Better Quality of Life', published in May 1999, the Government's core aim is: to ensure a better quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to come. Key values are best expressed by four objectives: social progress which recognises the needs of everyone; effective protection of the environment; prudent use of natural resources; and maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment. Chapter 4 of the strategy also sets out 10 guiding principles and approaches which provide additional background on our common values with regard to achieving sustainable development. More specifically, we need to build a new coalition for the environment that works with the grain of consumers, business and science, not against them, so that we can continue to grow and share the benefits of that growth. However, the negative impact of growth on the environment has to be reduced and a more productive use of environmental resources developed. To do this we need to: address problems at the right level--international, national, regional and local; harness consumer demand, not stifle it; stimulate science and innovation to provide solutions to environmental problems; use environmental resources more efficiently and become a low-carbon, recycling economy; and see protecting the environment as a business opportunity. Our goal is therefore to combine the benefits of continued economic growth with the creation of a fairer society and a cleaner environment.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

356 c451-2W; 135435

Session

1999-00

Subjects

Environment protection Environment Policy Sustainable development

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk