Written question asked by Barry Gardiner (Labour) on Thursday, 18 December 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 15 January 2004. It was answered by Ruth Kelly (Labour) on Thursday, 15 January 2004 on behalf of the Treasury.

Treasury

Question: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assistance the Treasury offers local authorities in developing (a) ethical and (b) environmental (i) investment, (ii) banking and (iii) procurement policies.

Answer: Mr. Gardiner: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assistance the Treasury offers local authorities in developing (a) ethical and (b) environmental (i) investment, (ii) banking and (iii) procurement policies. [145715] Ruth Kelly: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM), together with other Government Departments, offers assistance to local authorities in relation to these matters. The standards of ethical conduct expected from members of local authorities in all areas are laid down in a model code issued by ODPM in November 2001. Local authorities have wide discretion to determine policies on investment and banking. New guidelines on prudent investment practice will come into effect from 1 April 2004. These guidelines enable ethical and environmental considerations to be fully taken into account by local authorities. Guidance on Sustainable Procurement has been issued by The Office of Government Commerce and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 416 c864W;416 c862W; 145715
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Bank services Environment protection Investment Ethics Local government Procurement
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk