§ 77. Mr. Jacques ArnoldTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will give details of the projects to be assisted in Brazil to preserve the tropical rain forest, sannounced following the 47W visit there by the right hon. Member for Bath (Mr. Patten); and whether similar assistance is being planned for Colombia.
§ Mrs. ChalkerWe are developing possible projects in Brazil related to sustainable forest management and the effects of deforestation on climate, as well as research into the genetic resources of the rain forest. Similar assistance to Colombia may be considered in the future, but for the time being we are using our resources to establish the Brazilian programme.
§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking as a result of the mission to Brazil of Mr. Tim Synott of his Department, in relation both to rain forest and savannah grassland problems.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI refer the hon. Member to the two replies I gave him on 22 January at columns 506 and 507. Savannah grassland problems were not included by the Brazilian Government among the initial priority areas for United Kingdom assistance. However, we would consider assistance in this field if, in our continuing contacts with the Brazilians, it emerged as a priority concern.