§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received regarding the siting in Beijing of the United Nations conference on women in 1995; what views have been expressed by his Department to the United Nations and other interested bodies regarding the matter; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThe choice of Peking as venue for the World Conference was made by United Nations member states on the recommendation of countries in the Asia region of the United Nations and in accordance with the United Nations principle of geographical rotation. We want to play a strong role internationally on women's rights and we believe that more can be achieved for women throughout the world by attending the 1995 conference than by not doing so.
§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which Ministers and officials will expect to be attending the United Nations conference on women in 1995.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggNo decision has yet been taken on the exact composition of the United Kingdom delegation to the conference, but we expect the Minister who leads the delegation to be a woman. It is likely to include representatives from the Women's National Commission and the Equal Opportunities Commission, as well as Government officials.