HC Deb 28 July 1998 vol 317 c126W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to encourage the Venezuelan Government to protect the Imataca Reserve. [51931]

Mr. Foulkes

Our Embassy in Caracas maintains a regular dialogue with the Venezuelan Government and the non-government sector on a range of environmental issues, including the important one of the Imataca Forest Reserve. The Imataca issue is now with the Venezuelan Supreme Court. In the meantime discussions between the Government, mining companies and local environmental groups are continuing in order to achieve a consensus on sustainable solutions. Our Embassy is in regular contact with these groups.