§ 22. Mr. Arthur Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations his Department has had with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development on methods of international co-operation on environmental control matters; and what is his policy towards the purpose and form of international agreements in this field.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerMy Department is represented in several groups arranged by O.E.C.D. to pool information and ideas about protection of the environment and in particular the economics of control of pollution. I strongly favour international agreements where a part of the environment common to several countries is involved or where sources of pollution, such as vehicles, are articles of international trade.
§ Mr. JonesWhile recognising the worldwide desirability of standards, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he does not agree that it would be more rewarding to concentrate the United Kingdom efforts nearer home in Europe rather than widely on the international scene?
§ Mr. WalkerYes, Sir. I am much in favour of trying to get regional agreements on pollution, particularly pollution of the North Sea, river pollution and so on, and I think that we can make more speedy progress on a regional basis.
§ Sir G. de FreitasIn view of the great success of the Council of Europe's European Conservation Year two years ago, will the right hon. Gentleman consider, in view of what he said, working more closely with the Council of Europe, which, after all, is limited to this part of the world?
§ Mr. WalkerWe work with a number of European bodies. I am anxious to avoid unnecessary duplication, and I think that we can do so while continuing such co-operation.