§ Mr. Tom ClarkeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many water supply and sewerage projects have been financed by the Overseas Development Administration for each year since 1979.
§ Mrs. ChalkerA total of 62 projects in the water supply and sewerage sectors were financed during the years 1980–88, some of which have spanned more than one year. This includes projects committed before 1980.
The numbers of new commitments in these sectors each year were:
Number 1980 1 1981 9 1982 0 1983 3 1984 3 1985 3 1986 4 1987 4 1988 6 The figure for 1989 is not yet available.
§ Mr. Tom ClarkeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the major projects currently being undertaken by the Natural Resources Institute.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe Natural Resources Institute aims to alleviate poverty and hardship in developing countries by increasing the productivity of their renewable natural resources. It does this by supporting projects which help to increase agricultural productivity and farmer income through the more effective use and management of resources; develop robust, cost-effective solutions to pest management problems, paying particular attention to916W environmental safety and user needs; and reduce crop losses and improve the supply and quality of food and cash crops in the domestic and export markets of developing countries.
I shall send the hon. Member a copy of the framework document of the Natural Resources Institute, together with the latest annual report, which reviews major projects. Both documents are in the Libraries of the House.