European Development Fund

HC Deb 30 March 1998 vol 309 cc373-4W

Sir Alastair Goodlad

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when she expects the £1.08 billion committed by her Department to the European Development Fund will be disbursed; and if she will make a statement. [36843]

Clare Short

Disbursements from the eighth European Development Fund (EDF) can begin only after the ratification of the Mid-Term Review of the Lomé IV Convention by all EU Member States and at least two-thirds of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States. Two Member States have yet to complete ratification of the Mid-Term Review but it is estimated that EDF VIII will enter into force later this Summer.

I am very concerned by the delay in the ratification of the Mid-Term Review, which I hope can be completed as soon as possible.