HC Deb 16 November 1981 vol 13 cc4-5W
42. Sir William van Straubenzee

asked the Lord Privy Seal how many officials of the Overseas Development Administration were present at the international meeting for co-operation and development at Cancun.

Mr. Neil Marten

Of the four official advisers at Cancun, one was from the Overseas Development Administration.

44. Mr. Alton

asked the Lord Privy Seal how he intends to accommodate the increased aid for agricultural development undertaken at the Cancun conference within the overall aid budget.

Mr. Neil Marten

The Cancun participants met for a wide-ranging exchange of views rather than to negotiate specific commitments. My right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal announced to the House in July a new initiative to strengthen agricultural research in Africa. We are ready to give greater priority to agricultural development in our country aid programmes if that is what recipient countries want. [Vol. 9, c.731.]

46. Mr. Spearing

asked the Lord Privy Seal what specific initiatives Her Majesty's Government expect to take upon the conference at Cancun, Mexico.

Mr. Neil Marten

Those present at Cancun agreed that their discussions should be followed up in the United Nations and its specialised agencies. The President of the General Assembly has already taken the initiative in undertaking informal consultations with a number of countries.