Written question asked by Sue Doughty (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 7 September 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 October 2004. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Monday, 4 October 2004 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 carry out a lifecycle analysis of the environmental impact of typical (a) vegetarian and (b) non-vegetarian diets; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will carry out a lifecycle analysis of the environmental impact of typical (a) vegetarian and (b) non-vegetarian diets; and if she will make a statement. [188081] Alun Michael: The Government's broad approach to the challenges of sustainable consumption and production is set out in the framework document, "Changing Patterns", published last year. Part of the approach is to base policy development on evidence about the whole life-cycle of products and services in the economy, to help optimise the use of natural resources and minimise overall environmental impacts. Production and consumption patterns in the food chain have significant implications for resource use and for the environment, so this area will be an important part of my Department's work to build up a robust evidence base for future policy. Officials are reviewing the body of research presently available, to help us reach a view on what further work may be desirable.

Secondary information