§ Sir Alastair GoodladTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what aid programmes her Department is currently supporting in India; at what cost; and what was the comparable figure for 1997–98. [42231]
§ Clare ShortBritain provides substantial bilateral development assistance to India at a cost of around £80–£90 million a year. Our programme is increasingly focused on the elimination of poverty and consists mainly of support in the areas of rural development, water and sanitation, urban poverty, education, health and energy as well as assistance through non-Governmental Organisations. We also help indirectly through contributions to the European Commission and other multilateral institutions.
The provisional bilateral outturn for 1997–98 is around £75 million—lower than average due mainly to slippage on two large energy projects. This year, we expect spending to revert to the level of previous years.
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§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with her Indian counterparts on the impact on the Warli culture of a deepwater port at Vadhavan in Dahanu Taluka. [42562]
§ Clare ShortI have not discussed this matter with my Indian counterparts.