HC Deb 14 June 1972 vol 838 cc1502-3
28. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking, as a result of the proposal by Dr. Waldheim, Secretary General of the United Nations, that an international governmental body should be established to put into effect decisions taken at the Stockholm Conference on the Environment.

Mr. Graham Page

The Government support the creation of an inter-governmental body to co-ordinate and direct any environmental work undertaken by the United Nations, and have offered to provide a home in London for the Secretariat.

Mr. Dalyell

Therefore we may take it that the support is enthusiastic and not just tepid?

Mr. Page

Indeed. I see in a report of yesterday's proceedings that a resolution setting up a body of the sort described in the Question was passed by a special committee.

Mr. Rost

Was not the Stockholm conference, despite the constructive contribution of the British Government, a shambolic failure?

Mr. Page

The conference has not yet finished. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is at the conference now.