§ Q77. Mr. CorbynTo ask the Prime Minister what further action Her Majesty's Government are taking to halt the destruction of the world's tropical rain forests.
§ The Prime MinisterAs part of the forestry initiative the Overseas Development Administration has identified more than 20 countries where we are well placed to help. Discussions are already under way with, for example, the Government of Brazil and India; we have just agreed £40 million of new aid for India largely for the local costs of forestry projects. In addition the Overseas Development Administration is increasing its funding for forestry research and is encouraging British charities to put forward more forestry projects for joint funding. We shall be encouraging multilateral and other bilateral donors to increase their support for the sector.