HC Deb 22 June 1972 vol 839 cc164-5W
56. Mr. Meacher

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the votes cast by the British delegation at the Stockholm environmental conference.

Mr. Peter Walker

The United Kingdom Delegation voted on many occasions in discussions in the Plenary Session and the three Committees of the Conference. The effect of these votes was to pursue the policy set out in Chapter 9 of the Government's publication for the Conference—"The Human Environment—The British View" and to obtain the eight objectives set out in my opening speech details of which I will circulate in the Official Report. I will also make available in the Library the full text of my speech.

Following is the information

—a declaration on the human environment;

—the establishment of an information system under which those needing information on environmental matters would be rapidly referred to all available sources of information: an early meeting of experts is expected to be held in London to develop this concept;

—the initiation of improved programmes for, monitoring pollutants, especially in the air, on a world-wide basis;

—the selection of London as a site for a Conference to be held in October during which we would hope to get agreement in principle on a Convention on the world-wide control of marine dumping;

—the establishment of a Governing Council to oversee the environmental responsibilities of the United Nations, with the necessary secretarial support; and

—the establishment of a United Nations voluntary environmental fund to which substantial contributions have already been pledged, including a contribution by the United Kingdom.

—a world clean river programme;

—a world-wide increased programme of technical assistance and co-operation.