§ 41. Dr. StrangTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in implementing the initiatives agreed at the Earth summit to help developing countries.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydWork is under way on a number of fronts. The European Community Lisbon Council endorsed proposals by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister for action to work towards a replenishment of the global environment facility, and aid to help developing countries implement "Agenda 21".
§ Dr. StrangDoes the Minister acknowledge that the substantial extra resources for "Agenda 21" goals that were promised in the Prime Minister's Rio speech were in addition to the £100 million pledged for the global environment facility? Bearing in mind that, under the present Government, official development assistance has fallen from 0.51 to 0.32 per cent. of gross domestic product, will the Minister tell us how much new money will be made available to fulfil the Prime Minister's pledge?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydWe are talking of funding spread over many years. I cannot possibly answer a question such as that. However, I can confirm that the funding that has been promised for the replenishment of the global environmental facility is distinct from any funding to implement "Agenda 21". I am certain that in all these areas there will, as has happened in the past, be substantial funding to this aid.