§ Mr. GouldTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress the Government have made since September 1990 in implementing their intended five-point plan for major studies on the status of the world's biodiversity.
§ Mr. HeseltineThe hon. Member is referring to the five-point plan described on page 52 of the environment White Paper.
The first of the five points relates to the financing of a major study on the status of the world's biological diversity. This study is being carried out by the world conservation monitoring centre, Cambridge and is expected to be completed by the middle of next year. The other studies referred to in the White Paper have already been completed. They are summarised in the booklet entitled "Biological Diversity and Developing Countries: Issues and Options". This was published by the Overseas Development Administration last month. A copy is in the House of Commons Library.