§ Mr. Alan SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the number of people who will be displaced if the Ilisu Dam project goes ahead; and what plans he has for aid to deal with the consequences of this displacement. [127758]
§ Mr. CabornThere have been various estimates made about the number of people who will be displaced by the Ilisu Dam project. I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by the Prime Minister to my hon. Friend the Member for Hull, North (Mr. McNamara) on 17 January 2000,Official Report, column 268W. In addition, a number of people will be partially affected by the project. Accurate assessment of the numbers who would be affected is now being made as a result of a detailed survey. This work is being carried out by SEMOR, a firm that has experience of carrying out social assessment projects for the World bank. Dr. Ayse Kudat, an eminent environmental sociologist, who was until recently a senior staff member at the World bank, has been appointed by the Swiss Export Credit Agency to assist in this work; the expertise of Dr. Kudat will help ensure that the resettlement programme will reflect internationally accepted practice.
The Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) which is being drawn up for the Turkish authorities will publish these accurate numbers. The RAP will set out what is to be 211W done to deal with the consequences of those who are displaced or whose lands will be partially affected. It is ultimately for the Turkish authorities to ensure that resettlement is properly carried out. The RAP will of course be discussed among the Export Credit Agencies who are considering offering support for the project. The RAP is currently not expected to be ready until the end of August at the earliest.