HC Deb 21 January 1994 vol 235 cc852-3W
Mr. Harry Greenway

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals the Government have for(a) mobilising additional resources and (b) involving new donor agencies in this country and in other member states in the European Union to increase official development assistance on population projects.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

We are continuing to encourage the mobilisation of additional resources for population in all appropriate international fora, including the European Community. We are making full use of the preparatory process for the international conference on population and development—taking place in Cairo in September 19942014;to encourage greater commitment to population issues.

We are working with the European Commission to increase the support of other member states of the Community for population activities. We would greatly welcome the involvement of more United Kingdom non-governmental organisations in family planning and reproductive health programmes.

Mr. Harry Greenway

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans the Government have for encouraging other member states in the European Union to start funding family planning and related projects as part of their development and co-operation budgets.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

We are playing a leading role in pressing for concrete action to result from the 1992 EC resolution on population. Officials participate in regular expert meetings in Brussels to strengthen co-operation among member states and the Commission. We are also helping the Commission to organise a seminar for EC member states and senior Commission officials on 28 February.