HL Deb 14 June 1979 vol 400 cc713-4

3.17 p.m.

Lord BEAUMONT of WHITLEY

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will make a Statement on their attitude to the high level conference on protection of the environment proposed in the Economic Commission for Europe.

Lord TREFGARNE

My Lords, Her Majesty's Government support the decision of the Economic Commission for Europe that a high level meeting on the environment should take place in November 1979, and look forward to playing a constructive part in it.

Lord BEAUMONT of WHITLEY

My Lords, while I thank the noble Lord for that helpful and encouraging Answer, may I ask whether he can give us a little more information? For instance, what will be the position of the EEC and the individual national Governments at such a conference, and what will be the nature of our delegation?

Lord TREFGARNE

My Lords, the EEC will be represented at the conference together with the United Kingdom, Scandinavian countries, certain East European countries and the Soviet Union. Our delegation will probably be led by a junior Minister.