§ 37. Mr. Tim Rentonasked the Minister of Overseas Development what role her Department intends to play in the forthcoming United Nations Conference on Trade and Development conference.
§ Mrs. HartMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade has the main responsibility, but my Department will be closely involved over issues relating to development policy and will be represented in the United Kingdom delegation.
§ Mr. RentonIs the right hon. Lady aware that there seems to be total confusion between her Department, the Department of Trade and the Department of Industry as to which is responsible for answering questions, for example, about the common fund? Following the preparatory meeting and the proposals made by the United States of America delegation, will her Department be presenting any initiatives about the common fund at UNCTAD?
§ Mrs. HartI am sorry if there appears to have been any confusion. Subject to whatever problems the hon. Gentleman has met, questions on the common fund should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade. Indeed, his is the lead Department on these matters. It may be that there has been a little confusion.