To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions which Minister in his Department is responsible for monitoring his Department’s compliance with its duty under section 74 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 to have regard to the purpose of conserving biological diversity in carrying out its functions; and if he will make a statement. (73934)

In his role as the Department for Work and Pensions Sustainable Development Minister, Lord Hunt of Kings Heath has responsibility for monitoring the Department’s compliance with section 74 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

The Department is office-based, occupying mostly urban sites. As part of the private finance initiative maintenance of landscapes has been outsourced to our estates partner—Land Securities Trillium.

Initial biodiversity assessments were carried out on all sites within the estate to identify the scope of biodiversity. Further surveys of the more significant sites are currently under way. It has been identified that there is limited potential to significantly increase biodiversity, however working in collaboration with its PFI estates partner a number of measures have been implemented. These include changes to mowing regimes, the introduction of log piles and the increase in leaf mould, on appropriate sites.

Further to this, two sites have been identified where there is more scope to improve biodiversity. Land Securities Trillium have committed £5,000 to implement a number of additional measures.

Land Securities Trillium are fully aware of any legal requirement and obligations contained within the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.