Written question asked by Michael Meacher (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 16 October 1996. It was answered by James Clappison (Conservative) on Wednesday, 16 October 1996 on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Dept of the Environment

Question: What contribution departmental officials make to the global change newsletter of the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme; and if he will comment on the role of the G-B Programme in respect of this policy on global climate changes.

Answer: Mr. Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what contribution department officials make to the global change newsletter of the international geosphere-biosphere programme; and if he will make a statement on the role of the geosphere-biosphere programme in respect of this policy on global climate changes. [40436] Mr. Clappison: The global change newsletter reports research carried out by the international geosphere biosphere programme core programmes to other researchers and the national and international policy community. In general, departmental officials do not contribute to this newsletter. The UK contributes to the international geosphere biosphere programme through its nationally funded research programmes. Policy on climate change draws on a number of international scientific research programmes including those of the IGBP, largely through the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's scientific assessments.

Secondary information