HC Deb 05 July 1990 vol 175 cc652-3W
Q169. Mr. Hunter

To ask the Prime Minister if she will make a further statement on the United Kingdom's contribution to international co-operation on environ mental issues.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I have been asked to reply.

The Government work to protect the global environment through a wide range of international organisations including the European Community, the United Nations and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. We are playing an active part in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and we have led the call for an international convention on climate change. On 25 May this year my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced that provided others are prepared to take their full share, Britain is prepared to set itself the very demanding target of returning carbon dioxide emissions to their current levels by 2005.

Last week the Government hosted on behalf of the United Nations Environment Programme the second meeting of the parties to the Montreal protocol which agreed important new measures to protect the ozone layer and to enable developing countries to play their part. It demonstrated the international co-operation we need to safeguard the global environment. We will continue to give support to UNEP's valuable work in this and other areas. We will also play a full and constructive role in preparations for the United Nations conference on environment and development which will be held in Brazil in 1992.

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