§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consideration he has given to the proposed UNEP biological diversification convention; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TrippierI have been asked to reply.
The Government fully support proposals for the elaboration of a global convention on conserving biological diversity. The United Kingdom has extensive and internationally respected scientific and technical expertise in this area and has taken a leading role in a series of preparatory meetings organised by the United Nations Environmental Programme. Formal negotiations are planned to begin in February 1991, with the aim of reaching agreement in time for the UN conference on environment and development which will be held in Brazil in June 1992.