§ Gillian MerronTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the outcome of the Fourth Preparatory Committee for the World Summit on Sustainable Development, held in Bali; and if she will make a statement. [61924]
§ Mrs. BeckettThe Fourth Preparatory Committee meeting for the World Summit on Sustainable Development gives us a basis for the final run up to Johannesburg. Progress was made on a Programme of Action, which includes the importance of sanitation in eradicating poverty and meeting the Millennium Development Goal on safe drinking water. Broad agreement was also reached on key issues such as the urgent need to restore fish stocks and address illegal fishing, and on the important role non-governmental actors can play in achieving sustainable development. The meeting also recognised the need for a strong focus on Africa.
Other difficult issues remain outstanding, such as how the Summit can address trade and finance issues to complement the Monterrey Consensus and the Doha Development Agenda. There are also specific targets on sanitation, biodiversity loss and energy, which have yet to be agreed. The UK will continue to work constructively with partners to ensure a successful outcome for Johannesburg, including concrete actions and coherent work programmes on energy, water and sustainable patterns of consumption and production.
§ Mr. BarkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many(a) officials, (b) Ministers and (c) special advisers in her Department are travelling to Bali at public cost. [57838]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 20 May 2002]There were 12 officials, one Minister and one special adviser travelling to the fourth preparatory meeting for the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Bali from DEFRA.