§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if the Government will initiate a joint Environment and Development Council during its presidency of the European Union. [19785]
§ Clare ShortWe do not propose to hold a joint Environment and Development Council but will contribute fully to the Environment Council's preparations for the Commission on Sustainable Development next year and continue to work closely with our environment colleagues on other issues of mutual interest.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what measures the Government will take to improve the effectiveness of EU overseas aid devoted to environment protection and enhancement schemes. [19784]
§ Clare ShortWe will discuss any recommendations arising from the Commission's independent evaluation of the environmental performance of EC-funded programmes which is due to be completed in the new year, and continue to encourage the EC to integrate fully environmental considerations into the design of its projects. We will continue to participate in the Commission's Scientific Environmental Monitoring Group and the forestry and water expert groups, and have agreed to provide a project leader to prepare an EC/Member States strategy for biodiversity conservation. We have also seconded a forestry specialist to work for the Commission on the management of tropical forestry programmes.