HL Deb 30 June 1999 vol 603 c25WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps are being taken and by whom to assess and clean up the Danube river and to repair ships, bridges, river banks, docks and other installations related to the river; whether it is known which ally's forces caused what damage, destruction or pollution; and at whose expense clean up and repair should be done. [HL3178]

Baroness Amos

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) sent a team to Serbia and Montenegro between 17–20 June as part of the UN-sponsored Balkans Task Force on the environment and human settlement. We understand from this initial survey that reports of severe environmental degradation to the Danube are exaggerated.

We have no information on which forces caused what damage.

The international community is discussing future reconstruction in the region, which will include environmental matters.

Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What compensation is to be paid to those parties whose business or well-being has suffered from pollution of the Danube or damage to ships, bridges, river banks, docks and other installations related to the river; and how this compensation is to be determined. [HL3179]

Baroness Amos

Since UK action was taken in strict conformity with international humanitarian law, we do not believe it will be necessary to determine compensation.