Environmental Audit CommitteeSupplementary written evidence submitted by Rt Hon Oliver Letwin MP, Minister for Government Policy, Cabinet Office

I am writing in response to your letter of 25 March 2013 with regard to the Environmental Audit Committee hearing into embedding sustainable procurement.

I note your intention to take evidence from BIS, later in the year, on its progress in relation to sustainable development, and your plans to consider any wider issues that may arise following that hearing.

In answer to Simon Wright's question as to the extent to which auditors will have to verify the emissions data in Directors Reports, it is not intended under the forthcoming greenhouse gas emissions regulations for quoted companies to include a statutory requirement for this information to be independently verified or assured. However, this will be recommended in the guidance that will accompany the regulations, which will also state that independent verification and assurance on the accuracy, completeness and consistency of GHG emissions data will be beneficial to both a company's internal decision-making and for their external stakeholders. The regulations will be laid before Parliament, and the guidance published, in the next few months.

I am copying this letter to Owen Paterson and Vince Cable.

15 April 2013