§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what specific financial assistance is currently being granted by the Government to developing countries to help reduce pollution and environmental damage; and, of this amount, how much is ear-marked for(a) clean water and sanitation projects, (b) pollution reduction technologies and (c) improved protection for forests and natural habitats.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydWe examine environmental issues in all projects financed under the aid programme. Separate figures are not maintained for assistance given to reduce pollution and environmental damage. The most recent information available shows that in 1989 £36.8 million was provided in bilateral assistance for water and sanitation projects. In the forestry sector, there are currently 202 projects either under way or in preparation at the total cost to the aid programme of £158 million. My right hon. and222W noble Friend the Minister for Overseas Development will be writing separately to the hon. Member on the subject of pollution reduction technologies.
§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to introduce new funding mechanisms to assist developing countries in dealing with the effects of climate changes.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydNo. The internatinal negotiating committee for a framework convention on climate change completed its final session on 9 May 1992 in New York. It has been agreed that the global environment facility, under the auspices of the World bank, United Nations Development Programme and United Nations Environment Programme, will provide assistance to help developing countries fulfil their convention commitments. The United Kingom has pledged £40.3 million to the GEF and we have indicated our willingness to commit new arid additional financial resources to replenish the facility at an appropriate moment if other countries do the same.
§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what changes Her Majesty's Government propose to make in resources allocated to overseas aid over the next four years; and what percentage of gross national product this will represent.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydPublic expenditure provision for overseas aid to developing countries is £1,831 million in 1992–93, £1,899 million in 1993–94 and £1,975 million in 1994–95. The provision for 1995–96 will be considered during the public expenditure survey later this year. The percentage of gross national product that these provisions will represent is dependent upon developments in the United Kingdom economy.