HC Deb 19 May 1986 vol 98 cc16-7
55. Mr. Chapman

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will report progress on co-ordination with other countries to ensure a concerted programme to help sub-Saharan African countries with their agricultural development programmes.

Mr. Raison

There is widespread acceptance among bilateral and multilateral donors that their efforts in agricultural development and in other sectors should be co-ordinated, in support of policies agreed with recipient countries. I expect that the United Nations Special Session on Africa later this month will also focus attention on this subject.

Mr. Chapman

I accept that there are good and logical reasons why this country should not contribute to the special IFAD fund, for the reasons that my right hon. Friend has given. Nevertheless, does he agree that co-ordination between donor countries is vital if we are to remove the scourge of famine from sub-Saharan countries? Can my right hon. Friend provide examples of co-ordination, and will he assure the House that the United Kingdom Government will play a leading part in the United Nations Special Session to deal with agricultural development in Africa?

Mr. Raison

I assure my hon. Friend that we shall be very active in the United Nations Special Session. My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs plans to attend, and so do I. As for co-ordination, we have already played a very prominent part in backing the efforts of the World Bank consultative groups, the United Nations development programme round tables, other World Bank activities and a variety of donor co-ordinating efforts, particularly those which are carried on in recipient countries.

Mr. Deakins

What prevents Britain from spending a greater proportion of its aid to sub-Saharan Africa on rural and agricultural development? Is there a policy block, or is it just that that is the way things have been done in the past and it is very difficult to change them?

Mr. Raison

I am ready to consider proposals for increased and further agricultural aid, because I agree with the hon. Gentleman that it is very important. However, one has to remember that it is a question not only of this country accepting proposals but of the recipient Governments making a commitment to agricultural proposals as opposed to others.