§ 58. Mr. Meadowcroftasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken to ensure that the overseas development programme is guided by the principles of the world conservation strategy.
§ Mr. RaisonWe have adopted principles that are in harmony with those of the world conservation strategy. They are contained in guidance notes and checklists that are issued to Overseas Development Administration staff.
§ Mr. MeadowcroftSurely the Minister accepts that soil erosion and deforestation are crucial issues, particularly in Africa. If that is so, why have the Land Resources Development Centre and the Tropical Development Research Institute been starved of resources, and why have they less manpower than before?
§ Mr. RaisonThose issues are very important, but the fact is that the TDRI and the LRDC are very well equipped to carry on the outstanding work that they have been doing for several years.