§ Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proposals his Department plans to put forward on technological innovation at the forthcoming United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro.
§ Mr. LeighMy Department commissioned two reports looking at the role of technology transfer in the context of "Global Climate Change" and "Conservation of Biological Diversity" for the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). The reports were jointly funded with the Overseas Development Administration and the Department of the Environment respectively and have been well received by the international community. Copies of both reports are in the Library of the House.
My Department is currently working with the Department of the Environment on producing case studies which examine technology co-operation that exists between the United Kingdom and the developing countries. These will be presented at the UNCED.
During the UNCED in Rio de Janeiro there will also be an environmental technology exhibition in Sao Paulo, "ECOBRASIL 92". My Department is providing financial assistance to eligible British firms who wish to participate.
My Department is actively promoting technological innovation by United Kingdom companies. The outcome of the UNCED may well lead to increased market opportunities for innovative environmental technology.