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: If he will comment on the reasons for delay in the adoption and implementation of the convention on prior informed consent for hazardous chemical and pesticide trade.

Answer: Mr. Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the reasons for delay in the adoption and implementation of the convention on prior informed consent for hazardous chemical and pesticide trade. [40793] Mr. Clappison: The intergovernmental negotiating committee for a legally binding instrument on the prior informed consent procedure has held two meetings and at least two more are likely to be required to reach final agreement on the complicated issues involved. In the meantime the present voluntary procedure will continue to be operated by the United Nations Environment Programme and Food and Agriculture Organisation.

Secondary information