§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to involve non-Governmental organisations in consultation as part of the preparation of the Government's position for the Social Summit in Geneva in June. [117326]
§ Mr. HainThe Foreign and Commonwealth Office has provided £25,000 to help the United Nations Environment and Development UK Committee (UNED-UK) co-ordinate UK civil society's input to the Special Session. We have financed an internet website, the creation of a key stakeholders' group, and a conference for nongovernmental organisations. The Department for International Development has provided £270,000 for the International Council for Social Welfare to help it enhance the role of civil society groups worldwide (and especially those from developing countries) at the Special Session.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which department is the lead department for preparing for the Social Summit in Geneva in June; and which other departments are involved in the preparation. [117325]
§ Mr. HainThe Foreign and Commonwealth Office is the lead Department for preparations for the General Assembly Special Session on follow-up to the World Summit for Social Development. All other Whitehall Departments with responsibility for social development issues, both nationally and internationally, are fully involved in the preparatory process.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs who will represent Her Majesty's Government at the United Nations Social Summit in Geneva in June. [117324]
§ Mr. HainThe full composition of the UK delegation is still being considered. The Minister for Employment, Welfare to Work and Equal Opportunities, has plans to attend for some of the discussions.