asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the environment debate held by the Council of Europe Assembly on 21st and 22nd January 1972, he will indicate the Government's view regarding the division of responsibilities in international co-operation for the preservation of the quality of the environment and, in particular, the role which the Council of Europe should play in this regard.
Written Answers. - Environmental Policy.
70.
It is our view that international organisations should be utilised in accordance with their respective statutory competence by the member governments to solve environmental problems with a view to improving the quality of life for their peoples. Close co-operation between them in this field is required in the interests of maximum efficiency and the avoidance of duplication.
Having regard to the statutory role of the Council of Europe in promoting closer European unity, we consider that it has a useful function to perform in encouraging the development, implementation and co-ordination of governmental environmental policy on a wide European scale.