HC Deb 18 March 1985 vol 75 c630
42. Mr. Stuart Holland

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action Her Majesty's Government are taking to ensure continued finance for the international fund for agricultural development.

Mr. Raison

We have been taking a full part in the negotiations for the second IFAD replenishment and we hope that agreement will be reached early next month. We would expect to contribute to it on a basis to be decided following the usual burden-sharing discussions among donors.

Mr. Holland

The Minister will be aware that IFAD needs between $500 million and $650 million—that is what it is asking for. It is the only United Nations agency which is concerned exclusively with agricultural development and, if we are to avoid storing up trouble or, indeed, starvation for sub-Saharan Africa, it must be supported on a sizeable scale. How much will the Minister be able to give?

Mr. Raison

I expect that the figure that is likely to be agreed will be about $600 million, which is within the range of that the hon. Gentleman quoted.

Mr. Mark Robinson

I welcome what my right hon. Friend has just said. Is he any closer to a decision on whether to untie assistance promised in connection with the World Bank's facility for Africa?

Mr. Raison

There is a question about this matter later on the Order Paper, but I do not think that it will be reached so I can tell my hon. Friend that the answer is yes, it will be untied.