HC Deb 25 July 1986 vol 102 cc504-5W
Mr. Hancock

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will increase aid to Third-world countries with the purpose of helping them to preserve their rain forests.

Mr. Eggar

The Government are conscious of the need to protect the tropical rain forest. We are very willing to consider funding appropriate forestry projects when asked to do so. British aid to forestry doubled in the period 1981–85.

Mr. Hancock

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to Indonesia, Brazil and Zaire concerning their tropical rain forests.

Mr. Eggar

We have made no formal representations to these governments. We have no forest projects in the countries concerned. We have reminded the World Bank of the need to ensure that environmental considerations are given appropriate weight in its programmes in the rain forest areas of Indonesia and Brazil.