Written question asked by Lord Bruce of Bennachie (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 14 March 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 23 April 2002. It was answered by Brian Wilson (Labour) on Tuesday, 23 April 2002 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps have been taken by the Government since the Rio Earth Summit in 1992 to (a) set goals on environmental protection and (b) improve eco-efficiency and resource productivity relating to minerals and metal issues; and what these (i) goals and (ii) improvements have been.

Answer: Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps have been taken by the Government since the Rio Earth Summit in 1992 to (a) set goals on environmental protection and (b) improve eco-efficiency and resource productivity relating to minerals and metal issues; and what these (i) goals and (ii) improvements have been. [44342] Mr. Wilson: I have been asked to reply. The Government have been working with others within the EU to set emissions standards which will protect the environment but also strike an appropriate balance with the economic and social aspects of sustainable development. More specifically, as they are dominated by multi- nationals, we have been actively encouraging the minerals and metals industries to work globally to establish their sustainable development credentials. Work on indicators to measure performance are being developed.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 44342; 384 c143W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Environment protection Natural resources Minerals Metals Sustainable development UN Conference on Environment and Development
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk