§ 91. Mr. David ShawTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to enhance the effectiveness of European Community aid; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Chris PattenI attach great importance to working with our EC partners and the EC Commission to achieve 11W this. Notable advances have already been made, not least the reform of Community food aid during our presidency in 1986. But there is scope for further improvement. In particular, the Lomé convention is about to be renegotiated. When I spoke to the Royal Commonwealth Society on 3 May, I outlined ways in which I feel the trade and aid provisions of the Lomé relationship could be made more effective. A copy of my speech has been placed in the Library of the House.