HC Deb 22 January 1992 vol 202 c194W
19. Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the progress of preparations for the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development.

Mr. Trippier

The United Kingdom Government are taking an active role in the preparations for the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in June 1992. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has indicated that he intends to lead the United Kingdom delegation and is encouraging other Heads of Government to attend. We have submitted our national report for UNCED; we have prepared reports for the preparatory committee on technology transfer and population; we are providing financial assistance so that developing countries can play an effective part in the preparations; and we are consulting non-governmental organisations, business and local government on their preparations for UNCED. We have also pledged £40.3 million to the global environment facility which is helping developing countries to address global environmental problems.