AMAZON RAINFORESTS

Early day motion 36, tabled 26 November 2003 by Caroline Spelman (Conservative). Signed by 73 members.

That this House recognises the importance of tropical rainforests in the balance of the global climate; notes that the Brazilian Amazon covers 5.2 million square kilometres, more than 60 per cent. of the country; further notes that the Brazilian Amazon contains about a third of the world's rainforest and 30 per cent. of the world's biodiversity; expresses concern that the number of trees felled in the Amazon region has risen by 40 per cent. in the past year with almost 10,000 square miles of virgin rainforest being cut down; deplores the fact that the Government is cutting its programme aimed at saving the Amazon rainforest and preserving the culture of its people in order to fund its reconstruction effort in Iraq; warns that this will have a detrimental effect on the global environment and the lives of the indigenous Amazonian people; and calls upon the Government to reconsider its decision.

Signatures by party: Conservative 61, Liberal Democrat 5, DUP 3, Independent Conservative 1, Independent Ulster Unionist 1, Plaid Cymru 1, UUP 1.