§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether any British scientists or academics were present at the meeting held in Stockholm on March 24th–26th 1988 to discuss the organisation of the proposed International Arctic Sciences Committee, and if not what steps Her Majesty's Government are now taking to ensure that in future British scientists and academics will take part in such discussions and in such an organisation, in a way which reflects the United Kingdom's long-standing interest in Arctic matters and presence in the area.
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Glenarthur)The meeting held in Stockholm on 24th–26th March to discuss the organisation of the proposed International Arctic Sciences Committee was confined to scientists and academics from the Arctic rim states—Denmark/Greenland, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Finland, Canada, the US and the Soviet Union. We understand that the proposed Committee would aim to draw on the expertise of scientists from throughout the world. It is therefore expected to include representatives of all nations, including the UK, with significant Arctic research activities. Our contacts with governments of other states involved with such activities are directed towards this end.