§ Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consideration he has given to the European Commission document "Conservation of Natural Resources and Countering Desertification in Africa", COM 86/16; and what policy he intends to adopt towards each of the recommendations contained in the document's summary and conclusions at the Council of Ministers meeting on 17 April; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. RaisonMy views were set out in an explanatory memorandum sent to the Select Committee on European Legislation on 5 March. I broadly endorse the conclusions of the Commission document. The precise way in which they will affect the implementation of the aid programmes of the Community and its member states will need to be worked out in discussions with Governments of the affected countries.