HKC031
C031/10
F.
27 APR 1990
Reference IDJ 8990 397/768/001-
FROM:
C M Athayde
PY
...on Taken
DATE: 16 February 1990
CC:
Mr Cannon Hong Kong
Dept, FCO
Mr Buckle MAFF
Mr C Sambridge MAFF
ASIA-PACIFIC PLANT PROTECTION COMMISSION (APPPC)
The United Kingdom were founder-members of this Commission, first set up when the UK had considerable colonial responsibilities in the region.
2.
The UK has previously been represented by officers from ODNRI. Mr Lyons of its Pesticide Application and Management Department recommended that, in view of the almost complete withdrawal of UK responsibilities for the region, we formally withdraw from membership of the APPPC.
3. Neither British Development Division in the Pacific nor South East Asia Development Division were interested in attending future meetings of APPPC.
4. It was felt however, that Hong Kong would benefit from membership of the Commission. Hence UK membership of APPPC has been retained, and the 15th Session of APPPC on 26 September 2 October 1989, was attended by a HKG Agriculture Officer, Mr Fong Chun-Wah.
I have enclosed a copy of his report on this Session along with copies of other relevant papers.
5.
6.
It is unclear whether the UK has agreed to the amendments referred to in Appendix iv of the Report, which would require a contribution of US$5000. It is felt that this should not come from ODA funds.
7. Although no dates have been set, my understanding is that the 17th Session of APPPC will probably be in 1991, probably before the IPPC Session of that year.
8.
It would be helpful if you would let me know of any interest or involvement of MAFF in the activities of APPPC.
Chris Athayde
United Nations & Commonwealth Department ODA