§ Baroness Ellesasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they can give the following information about the wildlife reserve announced by the Chinese authorities in 1990, said to cover two-thirds of the Tibetan Autonomous Region: (a) what is the exact geographical area covered; (b) whether the proposals have been implemented; (c) what is the meaning of the term wildlife reserve; (d) who is the competent authority with respect to the reserve; and (e) what is the estimated effect on the indigenous population.
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyAccording to information received from the Wildlife Management Division of the Chinese Ministry of Forestries there are several wildlife reserves in the Tibet Autonomous Region covering in total 26.5 per cent. of the area. The largest reserve covers 247,000 square kilometres. The Chinese authorities say these reserves have been set up and are now protected areas. We understand the Tibetan Forestry Bureau has authority over the reserves, whose human population is extremely low. The Chinese authorities claim that the setting up of the reserves will have no effect on the indigenous population.