Mrs Becket, who heads the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs won praise from Guy Thompson, director of the Green Alliance. Responding to the Chancellor’s announcement of the 2004-06 Spending Round Mr Thompson, said: “It’s great news that the Department for Transport is going to finally share responsibility for reducing carbon emissions. It’s high time that the DfT was brought into line with the rest of the Government, as it seems to have a blind spot on climate change.”
He continued, “Margaret Beckett has played a blinder in getting a real terms increase for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs this time round. The devil is in the detail but we’re very upbeat about a settlement in which waste and energy efficiency play such a big part.”
Cautious
Friends of the Earth gave a cautious welcome today to the Chancellor's spending review, but warned that the devil will be in the detail.
FoE economics campaigner Simon Bullock said:
“The new climate change target for the Department for Transport is extremely good news. The Department has also got more cash to spend – but where will it go? Next week's new 10 year transport plan will show whether the Government will match its green words with action. Will it cut traffic and boost alternatives to the car, or continue to cover the countryside with tarmac?”
Mr Bullock added: “We also welcome the Chancellor's spending increases on the environment, particularly on reducing fuel poverty and increasing the efficiency of businesses using raw materials such as energy and water.”
For more information about the spending round see (see letsrecycle.com story)
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