HC Deb 02 June 1992 vol 208 cc391-2W
Mr. Dafis

To ask the Prime Minister what attempts have been made by Her Majesty's Government(a) to publicise the issues to be discussed and decisions to be taken at the Earth summit in Rio in June and (b) to publicise Her Majesty's Government's policies and proposals for the Earth summit; and what has been the cost to Her Majesty's Government of publicity promoted by all Departments of Government and the United Nations conference on environment and development.

The Prime Minister

We have taken an active and positive role in disseminating information on the forthcoming Earth summit. The United Kingdom's approach has been set out to Parliament, in speeches, articles and correspondence, and media briefings. We have produced booklets and videos, commissioned reports and kept in close touch with local authorities and the non-governmental community. The directly attributable publicity costs have fallen within the budgets of the Departments concerned.

Mr. Dafis

To ask the Prime Minister what representations he has received since 9 April on the Earth summit to be held in Rio de Janeiro in June; and what responses he has made.

The Prime Minister

The Government have received many thousands of representations from interested organisations and individual citizens. Replies have confirmed that I will be going to Rio de Janeiro: that the Government are committed to working for a successful and productive outcome to the Earth summit; that we are aiming for international conventions on climate change and biological diversity; and that we will be working for a statement on the sustainable management of the world's forests, a Rio declaration of international environmental principles, and a coherent, realistic and measurable plan of action for the 21st century, agenda 21.

Mr. Dafis

To ask the Prime Minister what discussions he has had with counterpart heads of government on the prospects for the Earth summit in Brazil since 9 April.

The Prime Minister

I have discussed the Earth summit with many of the Heads of Government I have met since 9 April.