Sustainable Development

James Duddridge
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on what dates the ministerial Sub-Committee on sustainable development in Government has met since May 2005; how long each meeting lasted; and whether there are plans to place sustainable development in Government under the responsibility of a Cabinet Sub-Committee.

Phil Hope
On 23 July 2007, the Prime Minister introduced a reduced number of more focused and cross-cutting Cabinet Committees. As part of this, the Sub-Committee on sustainable development was dissolved,  and responsibility for sustainable development transferred to the Economic Development (Environment and Energy) Sub-Committee. This will allow work on sustainable development to be driven in the context of our broader efforts on climate change and sustainability. Details of the Committee’s membership and terms of reference can be viewed at:

http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/secretariats/committees/edee.aspx

or in the Library of the House.

Information relating to the proceedings of Cabinet Committees, including when, how often and for how long they meet, is generally not disclosed; as to do so could harm the frankness and candour of internal discussion.