TNAG-2881-FCO40-4153-Future-of-Hong-Kong-localisation-of-laws-dumping-at-sea-1993 — Page 5

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04

8 October 1993

(by fax 845 3489)

V

Mr A G Cooper

Deputy-Secretary

Environment Division

REC

MASK

INJLX

Planning, Environment & Land Branch

Government Secretariat

Hong Kong

یام نور

Foreign & Commonwealth Office

1

London SW1A 2AH

Telephone: 071- 210 0437.

Dear Mr Cooper,

LONDON CONVENTION CONSULTATIVE MEETING, 5-12 NOVEMBER: PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CONVENTION

1.

At the Consultative Meeting of the London Convention (which regulates dumping of waste at sea), to be held in London 8-12 November, there will be discussion on several proposed amendments to the Convention. It is expected that decisions will be taken on three particular issues and in deciding the UK's position on these issues, we would be grateful to know of any difficulties the Hong Kong Government may have with the proposed amendments.

2.

The issues concerned are:

issue 4: the disposal of radioactive waste at sea

issue 5:

issue 6:

prohibition on the dumping of industrial waste incineration of waste at sea.

3. As you are probably aware, the UK has a strong interest in issue 4 and will be arguing against a permanent prohibition on the dumping of radioactive waste at sea. However, we do not have any difficulties with the thrust of the other two amendments and will be looking to secure general prohibitions with only limited exemptions unless you have reason to ask us to do otherwise.

4. As background, I enclose two reports of the discussions on these two issues at the London Convention Amendment Group meeting, 19-23 July - one report from the Convention Secretariat and the other from the UK delegation. I understand that an observer from Hong Kong was also present at some of the discussions.