§ Colin BurgonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what international discussions are taking place to control the threat of pollution at sea. [91795]
§ Mr. Meacher[holding answer 21 January 2003]Marine pollution comes from a variety of sources and the UK is active in a wide range of international fora to tackle and prevent marine pollution.
For example, we are a contracting party to the OSPAR Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North East Atlantic and the London Convention for the Prevention of Marine Pollution from Dumping. We are also working closely with the European Union to tackle marine pollution and better protect our seas.
In addition, we are working through the United Nations Environment Programme's Washington Global Programme of Action to tackle marine pollution from land-based sources. The UK also plays a lead role in the International Maritime Organisation to address issues of ship safety and pollution from ships.