Written question asked by Jimmy Wray (Labour) on Thursday, 25 April 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 May 2002. It was answered by Clare Short (Labour) on Monday, 13 May 2002 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what action the Government has taken to reduce the logging of rainforests and discuss these matters with mining companies.

Answer: Mr. Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action the Government have taken to reduce the logging of rainforests and to discuss these matters with mining companies. [53653] Clare Short: I have been asked to reply. Logging of rainforests is not necessarily a bad thing. It can bring income and jobs to poor people. If done carefully logging need not threaten the long-term sustainability of these forests or the environmental services they provide. Logging should not take place in protected areas or in contravention of other laws and regulations. My Department is working with a number of countries to help improve forest law enforcement and governance and tackle illegal logging and associated trade. The Government have not discussed logging of rainforests with mining companies.

Secondary information