§ Lord MERRIVALEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
The Question was as follows:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, bearing in mind the general desire of the Senegalese Government to develop closer and more substantial relations with this country,
- (a) they will consider committing themselves to participation in the development plan for the Senegal River Basin sponsored by the "OMVS";
- (b) they are taking steps to assist British industrialists and businessmen to take advantage of the opportunities provided by that scheme; and
- (c) they are aware of the opportunities that will accrue from Sene-Gambian development.
§ Lord WINTERBOTTOMMy Lords, the Answer to the first part of the Question is that the United Kingdom is not a member of the OMVS (and, for the benefit of your Lordships, may I translate that into words and English: the Organisation for the Development of the Senegal River) and we consider that assistance to OMVS projects would be best channelled through multilateral agencies to which Her Majesty's Government subscribes.
The Answer to the second part of the Question is that export opportunities, including those arising from multilaterally financed aid projects, are brought to the attention of British business interests through the British Overseas Trade Board's Export Intelligence Service and by other means. In answer to the third part of the Question, the first tangible opportunity will be the study by British consultants, financed from Ministry of Overseas Development technical assistance funds, to establish whether a barrage across the River Gambia is both feasible and cost effective. If that were so, doubtless other opportunities would thereby be created.
§ Lord MERRIVALEMy Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord for his reply. 1649 Would he bear in mind that the following countries, which are not members of the OMVS, have committed themselves to participate in this scheme, Canada, France and Germany, as well as Iran, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia? Will Her Majesty's Government also bear in mind that feasibility studies are being carried out by German, Canadian and French firms? Therefore, in view of the benefits that will accrue to British businessmen and industrialists in the future, would the noble Lord agree, especially as our Ambassador is accredited to Senegal, Mauretania and Mali, that he should consult with the Heads of State of those countries possibly with a view to participating in the future?
§ Lord WINTERBOTTOMMy Lords, one of the reasons why Her Majesty's Government think it desirable to participate through multi-national channels is that Senegal has a comparatively high gross national product. We believe any money we may spend in the field of aid would better go to countries not so well supported as Senegal. May I also point out that there is coming to this country in the near future an inward commercial mission from the Senegal. We believe that this visit is of significance as the first initiative of its kind from an African Francophone country, and I am certain noble Lords will hear this visit in mind.
§ Lord THOMASMy Lords, is the noble Lord aware that the timing device in the House is not working at the moment? Therefore the noble Lord the Leader of the House is bereft of one of his most powerful weapons.
§ The LORD PRIVY SEAL (Lord Shepherd)My Lords, I am glad that the noble Lord has reminded your Lordships that the clocks are not working. We will take that into account during the Question and Answer period.
§ Lord MERRIVALEMy Lords, as the noble Lord mentioned multi-national aid, and as we will be contributing to EDF4 approximately £320 million, could some of this money be earmarked for this project? Secondly, could the noble Lord say what is the current position regarding the new survey which is being undertaken by the United Nations development programme regarding the Gambia River?
§ Lord WINTERBOTTOMMy Lords, if we are talking about the one financed by our own Ministry of Overseas Development, that is in progress.