§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans Her Majesty's Government have to increase the funding of grants for the Darwin initiative and related funds for training ecologists in developing countries. [26330]
§ Mr. AtkinsSince the inception of the Darwin initiative, funds have been increased from £1 million in 1993–94 to £3 million in the current financial year. So far, £9 million has been allocated for 86 projects in over 50 developing countries, involving around 60 UK institutions and almost a 1,000 developing country participants. Present public expenditure plans allow a continuing rolling programme of £3 million per year.