HC Deb 31 March 1995 vol 257 cc880-1W
Mr. Elletson

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about funding for the energy charter secretariat. [17210]

Mr. Ian Taylor

In common with many other international organisations, the energy charter treaty secretariat will be funded by contributions from contracting parties according to a scale agreed in the course of negotiation. Depending on the final number of signatories, the United Kingdom contribution is likely to be about 7 per cent. of the budget which is expected to be agreed at the provisional charter conference on 5 and 6 April.

The United Kingdom approach to funding international organisations is to require them to produce budgets which, while meeting clearly defined objectives, also reflect the need for value for money and recognise the financial constraints on all Governments.

Mr. Elletson

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representation he has received about proposals to site the energy charter secretariat in London; and if he will make a statement. [17208]

Mr. Ian Taylor

I have received no representations seeking to locate the energy charter treaty secretariat in London.

Mr. Elletson

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about his Department's plans to promote the energy charter. [17209]

Mr. Ian Taylor

In December 1994, when the energy charter treaty was signed, my Departmental issued a press notice and sent a briefing note, "The Energy Charter Treaty: Key Points For British Business", to about 500 companies and organisations with energy interests. I have today placed copies of this publication in the Library of the House. We will be discussing future plans for promoting the Treaty with UK energy organisations after the provisional charter conference on 5 and 6 April.