Antarctica (Hansard, 1 November 1989)

§ Mr. Summerson
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps were taken at the Antarctic meeting in Paris to protect the Antarctic environment; what was the outcome of debate on the Franco-Australian proposals; what steps were taken by the British delegation to protect the Antarctic environment; and whether he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Sainsbury
In line with our view that all possible concrete and practical steps should be taken to protect the Antarctic environment, building on the measures already adopted under the Antarctic treaty, including the Antarctic minerals convention, the meeting adopted an unprecedented number and range of environmental recommendations. These dealt with waste disposal; the prevention and control of, and response to marine pollution; environmental monitoring; improved descriptions and management plans for specially protected areas (SPAs); the amendment of article VIII of the agreed measures for the conservation of Antarctic fauna and flora to provide for management plans for SPAs; new sites of special scientific interest, the establishment of specially reserved areas, the establishment of multiple-use planning areas. The concentration of the siting of stations, the use of Antarctic ice, the role of Antarctica in understanding and monitoring global change, including the ozone layer, the charting of Antarctic waters, and co-operation to improve scientific productivity in Antarctica. Of the 14 recommendations covered in this list, 12 resulted from the initiatives of, and close collaboration between, the United States and the United Kingdom delegations.
The meeting also considered the Franco-Australian proposals, as well as other proposals submitted by the Chilean, New Zealand, Swedish, United Kingdom and United States delegations, relating to comprehensive measures for the protection of the Antarctic environment. While none of those proposals was endorsed by the meeting, it was agreed that meetings should be held next year:

(i) to explore and discuss all proposals relating to the further elaboration, maintenance and effective implementation of a comprehensive system for the protection of the Antarctic environment and its dependent and associated ecosystems, aimed at ensuring that human activity does not have adverse environmental impacts or compromise the scientific, aesthetic or wilderness values of Antarctica; and

(ii) to explore and discuss all proposals relating to article 8(7) of the convention on the regulation of Antarctic mineral resource activities, relating to the issue of liability.

The venue or venues of these two meetings, and their timing, are to be decided through diplomatic channels.
We are very satisfied with the results of this meeting which carry forward protection of the Antarctic environment. At next year's meetings our representatives will continue to support the process of further strengthening the system for protecting the Antarctic 203W environment. The outcome of the Paris meeting reinforced our view that the early entry into force of the minerals convention, with its strict environmental standards and procedures, remains an important objective as a necessary element in the overall system for protection of the Antarctic environment.
I will deposit a copy of the report of the meeting in the Library of the House when it becomes available.

§ Mr. Corbyn
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what actions he will now take to comply with the Antarctic treaty convention in respect of(a) the removal of rubbish and sewage from British bases, (b) the preservation of fish stocks and (c) the proposed environmental convention due to be held in Santiago in 1990; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Sainsbury
[holding answer 31 October 1989]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave to the hon. Member for Walthamstow (Mr. Summerson) today about the XVth Antarctic treaty consultative meeting held earlier this month in Paris, which covers part (c) of his question. In answer to parts (a) and (b)

(a) the British Antarctic survey is taking steps to ensure that it will be able to comply with the mandatory code for waste disposal in the Antarctic, adopted at Paris, when it enters into force; and

(b) the preservation of fish stocks is a matter for the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources meeting in Hobart from 6–17 November, and was not dealt with at Paris.