HC Deb 16 January 1980 vol 976 cc1633-5
30. Mr. Stoddart

asked the Lord Privy Seal what projects for rural development have been approved during the last five months.

The Minister for Overseas Development (Mr. Neil Marten)

Two major rural development projects have been approved since July 1979. This brings to 10 the total of such projects initiated in the first nine months of the current financial year. I am arranging for these projects to be listed in the Official Report.

Mr. Stoddart

I thank the Minister for that information. Has he seen the report of the American Commission on World Hunger which predicts that within 20 years there will be acute starvation and malnutrition in the Third world unless measures are taken to step up food production in those countries? Will he redouble his efforts and the aid that he gives to rural agriculture in underdeveloped countries?

Mr. Marten

It would be difficult to double the amount of aid that we give on these rural projects. The share of bilateral aid committed to the poorest countries, where this is very much one of the main projects, has exceeded 60 per cent. in recent years. However, I agree that the emphasis should be placed in the way the hon. Gentleman suggests.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

Since India is the principal recipient of British overseas aid, will my hon. Friend look for an early opportunity to have discussions with the new Government? Is he aware that there are a number of rural projects there where British aid could materially assist in improving food production?

Mr. Marten

Yes. I hope to do so in March, but already this year there are four projects going ahead for rural development in India.

Following is the information:

APPROVALS OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN 1979–80 FINANCAL YEAR
Date of approval Country Project title £m.
5 April 1979 … Nepal … Khosi Hill area development programme (Khardep) 5.76
3 May 1979 … India … Foot and mouth disease vaccine plant 7.3
17May 1979 … Peru … Cajamaraca agricultural development project 1.22
14June 1979 … Sudan … South Darfur savannah project 4.63
14June 1979 … Sudan … Southern region agricultural project 9.24
21 June 1979 … India … Kanpur fertiliser plant 7.7
12July 1979 … India … Earthmoving equipment 17.0
26 July 1979 … Jordan … IRBID rural electrification 3.5
6 September 1979 … India … Orissa family welfare 10.84
7 November 1979 … Tanzania … Rural water supplies 1.4
68.59