HC Deb 19 May 1993 vol 225 cc178-9W
Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom proposals to the matters discussed and decisions taken at the 14th session of the United Nations Commission on Human Settlements in Nairobi, 26 April to 5 May; and if he will place a copy of the conclusions in the Library.

Mr. Maclean

The 14th session of the United Nations Commission on Human Settlements identified the issues to be taken up by the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) to be held in June 1996 and provided guidance for member states to follow in their preparations for the Conference.

The Commission adopted a resolution that recommended that Habitat II should focus on two major themes:

  • (a) Sustainable Human Settlements in an Urbanising World
  • (b) Adequate Shelter for All.

The United Kingdom supported this resolution and played a leading role in its drafting. The United Kingdom delegation also contributed to debate on the two special themes discussed at the session on appropriate, intermediate, cost-effective building materials. technologies and transfer mechanisms for housing delivery, and the improvement of municipal management.

A set of the resolutions adopted by the Commission will be placed in the Library when printed.