HC Deb 13 December 1991 vol 200 c551W
Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what British aid funds have been used to fund Botswana's wildlife activities since 1 January 1990; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Chalker

We have funded the salary and most allowances of the deputy director of wildlife since February 1990 at a cost of around £54,500 in the last complete financial year. We are also providing three United Kingdom training awards this academic year at an estimated cost of £26,000.

Following a review of our support to the natural resources sector, we shall be considering with the Government of Botswana an appraisal mission to identify a programme aimed at promoting environmentally sustainable management of livestock and wildlife. This will be pursued at the bilateral aid talks being held on 12 December.

Mr. Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what funding is given by Britain directly or indirectly to the deputy director of wildlife in Botswana.

Mrs. Chalker

The salary and most allowances of the deputy director of wildlife in Botswana are funded under the aid programme at a cost of some £54,500 in the last complete financial year.

Mr. Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what studies the Overseas Development Administration has contributed to in respect of the culling of elephants in Botswana.

Mrs. Chalker

We have financed no studies in respect of the culling of elephants in Botswana, but we are financing the salary and most allowances of the deputy director of wildlife, who can be expected to be associated with studies of this subject.