§ Dr. David Clarkasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what resources are made available through the Overseas Development Administration for environmental impact assessment of development aid projects.
§ Mr. EggarThe Overseas Development Administration assesses the environmental effects of all British aid activities through either the work of its own staff or use of outside consultants. The resources involved could be quantified only at disproportionate cost.
§ Dr. David Clarkasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will give the numbers, professional qualifications and positions of all staff employed, either as consultants or on a permanent basis, by the Overseas Development Administration to assess and advise on the environmental effects of proposed multilateral and bilateral development projects in the forestry, agriculture and natural resource sectors for the years 1977, 1979, 1981, 1983 and 1985.
§ Mr. EggarIt is the responsibility of all staff in the Overseas Development Administration to ensure that its aid activities are environmentally sound. In practice this is achieved by the administrative staff, assisted by the professional renewable natural resources and engineering advisers. Where necessary, specialist advice is sought either from the ODA scientific units, associated bodies, other academic and research institutions or private sector consultants. In the circumstances, it is not practicable to specify or list the ODA staff resources involved. Responsibility for the assessment of multilateral aid projects rests with the staff of the multilateral institutions concerned. As a member of these institutions we seek to ensure that such assessments are properly done and fully taken into account