§ Mr. Tom ClarkeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will outline the Overseas Development Administration's current policy towards providing advice and finance for new energy projects in developing countries;
(2) which organisations in Britain provide advice to the Overseas Development Administration on energy policy in developing countries.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe policy of the Overseas Development Administration towards providing advice and finance for new energy projects in developing countries is based on the assessment, case-by-case, of several factors. These include economic appraisal of the energy supply-demand situation; the scope for increase in the technical and economic efficiency of existing energy supply and use systems; social and environmental issues; and the need to ensure the reliability and sustainability of energy supplies.
In making such assessments, the ODA draws on the advice of its own substantial body of economic, engineering, natural resources, and social development advisers, supplemented by that of British consultants as necessary. In addition, the Administration keeps in touch with national and international expertise in British industry, academic bodies; the World Bank; regional development banks; the United Nations Environmental Programme and the development assistance committee of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.