Early day motion tabled by primary sponsor Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat), on Tuesday, 23 March 2004, in the House of Commons. It is signed by 106 members in total.

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TASMANIAN DEFORESTATION

That this House deplores the current large-scale deforestation of native forest in the Australian state of Tasmania; notes that rare and ancient trees up to several hundred years old are being destroyed, mostly being turned into woodchips to make paper and tissue, and that recognised endangered species are being deliberately and painfully exterminated through the wilful and indiscriminate use of the highly toxic chemical 1080; believes this to be a blot on the good name of Australia and notes that in a recent opinion poll, 85 per cent. of Australians wanted woodchipping of old-growth forest ended; believes that the Australian Federal Government, as a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity and in the light of its own Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, has a duty to also protect its own native species; calls upon the British Government to urge the Australian Federal Government to intervene in order to bring Tasmanian forestry methods in line with Australia's international commitments and best practice within Australia; and suggests that the 30,000 British tourists who visit Tasmania annually should consider whether they wish to visit the state while it sanctions policies so destructive to the natural environment and to wildlife.

Amendments

The Early day motion has received an amendment.

TASMANIAN DEFORESTATION (896A1)

The Early day motion has received an amendment sponsored by Peter Kilfoyle (primary, Labour) and tabled on Monday, 19 April 2004. It has been signed by 17 members in total.

leave out from 'House' to end and insert 'recognises that Tasmania exceeds the international benchmark for conservation by a factor of four and has 40 per cent. of its inland mass formally reserved, compared to the United Kingdom's 2 per cent.; notes that 85 per cent. of old growth forests are within conservation reserves amd will never be logged; and urges honourable and Right honourable Members to visit Tasmania to see for themselves Tasmania's exemplary practice of sustainable forestry.'.

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Secondary information

Type

Early day motion

Reference

896 

896A1 

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Australia Environment protection Tree felling Freedom Organisation for the Right to Enjoy Smoking Tobacco

Link

View this Early day motion on www.parliament.uk