HC Deb 14 November 1988 vol 140 cc368-9W
84. Mr. Favell

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what pressure he is bringing to bear either bilaterally or through international organisations to reverse the destruction of the world's tropical rain forests.

Mr. Chris Patten

It is more important to help developing countries to increase their capacity to look after their forests than to apply pressure. Her Majesty's Government play a leading role in both the International Tropical Timber Organisation and the tropical forestry action plan. Later this month we shall help to host a high level conference on stimulating international support for tropical forestry research.