§ Lord Alderdiceasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have established a national committee to prepare for the United Nations conference on racism to be held in Durban, South Africa, from 31 August to 7 September 2001. [HL673]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal)The Government have not formed a national committee to prepare for the UN World Conference Against Racism. The Government are instead holding regular consultations with nongovernmental and community organisations from throughout the UK. These contacts began in 1999. A further series of government-funded consultation meetings begins on 1 March and will include events in seven UK cities. These activities will continue up to and after the Durban Conference.