To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he plans to take to develop the brownfield skills strategy; and what recent discussions he, other departmental Ministers and his officials have had with the Academy for Sustainable Communities on the development of environmental decontamination skills. (209971)

I have been asked to reply.

The draft Brownfield Skills strategy has been developed by English Partnerships and the Academy for Sustainable Communities. It was published on 4 March 2008 following extensive research and consultation surrounding the barriers that prevent or hinder the reuse of brownfield land, including those relating to environmental decontamination. The skills strategy is an important element in the implementation of the wider National Brownfield strategy and was available for public consultation between 4 March and 10 June 2008. The responses to the consultation will now be analysed by English Partnerships and the Academy for Sustainable Communities prior to the publication of a final strategy document later this year. Communities and Local Government Ministers and officials are in regular contact with the Academy for Sustainable Communities on a range of issues including the developing Brownfield Skills strategy.