HC Deb 19 April 1993 vol 223 cc33-4W
Mr. Meacher

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement regarding the potential for Overseas Development Administration withdrawal from the Chandrapur electricity plant project following an environmental assessment of the proposal.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

[holding answer 2 April 1993]: The offer of aid for the Chandrapur HVDC project was subject to ODA's usual appraisal and approval procedures which include environmental assessment.

Mr. Meacher

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support has been given to GEC Alsthom's bid for the Chandrapur electricity plant in India from the main part of the British bilateral aid budget; what consideration was given to providing the grant under the aid and trade provision; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

[holding answer 2 April 1993]: An offer of £63 million of aid was made in support of GEC Alsthom's bid for the Chandrapur HVDC project in India, subject to usual Overseas Development Administration appraisal and approval procedures. It was decided that this aid should come from the bilateral programme with India, rather than the aid and trade provision, because the project was consistent with the energy efficiency objectives of our India aid programme.

Mr. Meacher

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement regarding the scope and eventual availability of the environmental assessment for the current Chandrapur electricity plant project proposal.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

[holding answer 2 April 1993]: The environmental assessment of the Chandrapur HVDC project will be conducted in accordance with the Overseas Development Administration's manual of environmental appraisal. The first step will be an initial assessment which will determine the need for and scope of subsequent investigation. The environmental appraisal will inform the Overseas Development Administration's decision on the project. Environmental impact assessments cover issues of potential sensitivity to overseas Governments and material which is commercial in confidence; they are not generally made available.