§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) if the Government are proposing or634W supporting any special projects related to tropical forest conservation at the forthcoming meeting of the International Tropical Timber Organisation Council session, 22 June to 1 July, in Rio de Janeiro;
(2) when he last met representatives of the International Tropical Timber Organisation; what support has been given to the International Tropical Timber Organisation in its administration of funding for tropical reforestation, conservation and management of tropical forests and market research relating to the international trade in tropical hardwoods; and if he will make a statement;
(3) pursuant to the answer of 21 April, Official Report,column 534, what further action he has taken to implement a code of conduct for the international tropical timber trade; and if he will take steps to ensure that the conservation of tropical forests and their genetic resources will be an essential prerequisite for the future development of the international tropical timber trade.
§ Mr. AtkinsWe will be represented at the forthcoming council session of the International Tropical Timber Organisation, which is expected to discuss the organisation's future role and work programme, including project assessment. We are currently considering our position on the various questions raised as we prepare for this meeting.
§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the division of responsibility between the Department of Trade and Industry and the Overseas Development Administration with regard to the International Tropical Timber Organisation, particularly in relation to the tropical forestry action plan.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe International Tropical Timber Organisation was established under what is primarily a trade-related commodity agreement; the Department of Trade and Industry has lead responsibility, particularly on trade-related matters. The Overseas Development Administration is responsible for the tropical forestry action plan, co-ordinated by the Food and Agriculture Organisation. The TFAP's overall framework for action in the field of tropical forestry extends to such areas as forestry and land use, conservation and fuel and energy. The tropical timber agreement requires the ITTO to avoid duplication of efforts and co-operate with United Nations organisations such as the FAO. We would expect to see this reflected in the ITTO's future activities.