To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to support Scottish local authority initiatives in respect of local agenda 21; and if he will make a statement. [11845]

Local agenda 21 is primarily a matter for local authorities to advance. The Scottish Office provides financial support to the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to co-ordinate a strategic approach by Scottish local authorities to local agenda 21. My noble Friend the Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries in Scotland is meeting COSLA on 3 September to discuss the role of authorities in the promotion of sustainable development. Later this year, he plans to convene a conference on local agenda 21 for councillors and senior local authority staff.