§ Mr. Alan SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the United Kingdom plans to ratify the Biosafety Protocol agreed in Montreal. [118939]
§ Mr. MeacherThe United Kingdom intends to sign and ratify the Biosafety Protocol to the Convention on Biological Diversity at the earliest opportunity consistent with our European Community obligations. The Protocol will be open for signature at the United Nations Office at Nairobi, Kenya, by states and regional economic integration organisations from 15-26 May, and at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 5 June 2000 to 4 June 2001. The implications of the Protocol on the overall EU legislative framework must be fully assessed before ratification can be completed. As made clear in the Environment Council conclusions agreed on 30 March, we will be working with our European partners to ensure ratification as early as possible to ensure entry into force of the Protocol at an early stage.