HC Deb 16 October 1996 vol 282 cc1059-60W
Mr. Meacher

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the reasons for delay in the adoption and implementation of the convention on prior informed consent for hazardous chemical and pesticide trade. [40793]

Mr. Clappison

The intergovernmental negotiating committee for a legally binding instrument on the prior informed consent procedure has held two meetings and at least two more are likely to be required to reach final agreement on the complicated issues involved. In the meantime, the present voluntary procedure will continue to be operated by the United Nations Environment Programme and Food and Agriculture Organisation.