HC Deb 23 June 1976 vol 913 cc517-8W
Mr. Fry

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many persons attended the recent Conference on the Environment in Vancouver at the expense of the British taxpayer; and what was the total charge on public funds.

Mr. Shore

The eventual size of the United Kingdom delegation to Habitat was 29, including secretariat support. The actual costs incurred in attending the conference are not yet available. For an estimate of the costs of sending a delegation to the conference I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Member for Grimsby (Mr. Crosland), now Foreign Secretary, to the hon. Member for Reigate (Mr. Gardiner) on 7th April 1976.—[Vol. 909, c.181–2.] In addition the Ministry of Overseas Development made £4,000 available towards the cost of air fares of experts from the poorer developing countries to attend a pre-Habitat symposium in Vancouver.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when a report of the Habitat Conference will be available; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Shore

A full report by the conference secretariat should be available within the new few weeks and will be placed in the Library. Copies of Her Majesty's Government's national statement have been placed in the Vote Office.

The conference was the first of its kind to deal specifically and comprehensively with the problems of human settle ments, and was attended by representatives of more than 130 nations. Progress was made on a declaration of principles which was developed in 63 detailed recommendations for action by individual nations. Those recommendations, which are supported by advice on how they may be applied, represent a notable achievement for a conference on this scale. Among other things, they should help to ensure that the aid we give to developing countries is used in the most effective way.

Later this year the General Assembly will consider the report and recommendations of the conference, including the proposals for the co-ordination and development of human settlement activities within the United Nations system and for assisting countries which need help in applying the recommendations for national action.