§ Mr. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals the United Kingdom Government have to prepare for a world-wide conference 10 years after the Rio Conference to discuss progress on sustainability. [47989]
§ Mr. MeacherThe United Kingdom's priority is to ensure that the agreements reached at Rio and thereafter are fully and effectively implemented. At the United Nations General Assembly Special Session in 1997, which reviewed progress on implementing Agenda 21 since Rio, all parties committed themselves to ensuring that the next review in 2002 demonstrates greater measurable progress in achieving sustainable development. The United Kingdom strongly endorsed this approach. In working towards the review we will promote sustainable development in our bilateral negotiations and in multilateral forums, working closely with all interested parties.