§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals Her Majesty's Government will be making at the United Nations Conference on Environmental Development meeting in June to enhance environmental protection in developing nations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydHer Majesty's Government has played a leading role in developing proposals to be discussed at the UNCED (the Earth Summit) during the four preparatory committee meetings held to date, and at the inter-governmental negotiations on the conventions for climate change and biological diversity. The specific proposals to be considered at the Earth Summit are: agreement to global conventions on climate change and biodiversity; a statement of principles on forests; a declaration (the Rio declaration) of environmental and development principles; a comprehensive action plan on environment and development for the next century (agenda 21) and agreement on reinforcement of international institutions dealing with environment and development.
We shall continue to work with other Governments at the Earth Summit in June to reach agreement on the proposals to be considered at that meeting.