§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his responsibilities for the environment of Pitcairn island and other dependent territories.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 14 February,Official Report, column 581, which outlines the FCO's responsibilities for the dependent territories.
The setting of domestic policies and priorities is a matter for the dependent territories' own Governments. Environmental protection is a high priority for them. We are consulting the dependent territories on their participation in environmental agreements which are most appropriate to their particular circumstances.
We take seriously the issue of environmental protection in the Pitcairn Islands. We are preparing a management plan to address conservation issues on Henderson Island. Any conservation measures will need to take into account the isolation and remoteness of the Pitcairn Islands and must be agreed by the islanders.