§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if his Department's library will obtain a copy of the Amnesty International report concerning the treatment of pro-democracy leaders by the Chinese authorities, published on 14 November.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydA copy of this report is already held by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office library.
§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his counterparts in China concerning treatment of pro-democracy leaders by the Chinese authorities.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydWe regularly raise the question of human rights with the Chinese authorities. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs expressed our concern to the Chinese Foreign Minister in September, as did the EC Troika.
§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his present policy in respect of(a) mining activities and (b) tourism in Antarctica; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Garel-JonesWe remain committed to achieving the best possible environmental protection for Antarctica from all forms of environmental damage. We do not support mining in Antarctica and wish to see the question of mineral activity resolved as soon as possible, by a return to consensus among the Antarctic treaty parties.
We think tourism and environmental protection can be compatible, but there is a need for regulation to avoid adverse environmental impact. The Antarctic treaty parties agreed to discuss tourism within the development of comprehensive measures for the protection of the Antarctic environment. A conference on this issue is currently taking place in Chile.