§ Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the matters discussed, decisions taken and commitments made at the preparatory meeting for the World Summit on Sustainable Development, held in Bali in June; and if she will place in the Library copies of submissions made(a)by the United Kingdom and (b)by other countries which are specifically relevant to the UK. [62162]
§ Mr. MeacherThe Fourth Preparatory Committee meeting for the World Summit on Sustainable Development discussed the documents which will be608W finalised at Johannesburg. Progress was made on a Programme of Action, which includes the importance of sanitation in eradicating poverty and meeting the Millennium Development Goal of safe drinking water. Broad agreement was also reached on key issues such as the urgent need to restore fish stocks and address illegal fishing, and on the important role non-governmental actors can play in achieving sustainable development. The meeting also recognised the need for a strong focus on Africa. In addition, preliminary discussions took place on elements for a Political Declaration at Johannesburg. The Programme of Action as it currently stands can be found at www.johannesburgsummit.org
No written submissions were made by either the UK or the EU, as the conference was a negotiating session based on positions outlined in earlier meetings and submissions.