Green job for Holland

EXETER University vice chancellor Sir Geoffrey Holland is to chair an "expert panel" to promote environmental education in colleges and universities, it was announced this week by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

The panel, reporting to deputy prime minister John Prescott and education and employment secretary David Blunkett, has been asked to identify gaps in education provision, which may lead to the Government setting targets.

"The Government has pledged that concern for the environment will be at the heart of policy-making," said Mr Prescott. "Education will be at the heart of that."

Mr Prescott said that he would find extra money from the Environmental Action Fund to invest in schemes from schools, colleges and universities, training organisations and local authorities.