HC Deb 08 June 1999 vol 332 cc240-2W
Mr. Streeter

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action her Department is taking to build up private sector capacities in poor countries through the aid programme. [85967]

Clare Short

As our White Paper makes clear, a thriving private sector is essential for sustainable and equitable economic growth. Since 1997, we have strengthened our collaboration with business to tackle the constraints faced by the private sector. We seek to promote a stable and attractive operating environment for business, both domestic and foreign. We seek, often through work with business intermediary organisations, to improve the capacity of local companies by improving access to sustainable financial services, training, market information and appropriate technology. And by bringing forward the Commonwealth Development Corporation Bill, we seek to enable CDC to mobilise higher levels of investment, which will help create and develop viable long term businesses in the poorer countries.

Mr. Streeter

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with representatives of the business community on untying British aid in the past six months. [85968]

Clare Short

I have discussed the issue informally with various representatives of the business community. We have also nominated representatives from the British Consultants Bureau, Crown Agents and Mott Macdonald to take part in the international discussions on aid untying at the Development Partners Forum, organised by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's Development Assistance Committee in December 1998.

Genetically modified plant varieties National list applications under consideration at 4 June 1999
Application number and species NL applicant Earliest date of proposed decision DETR reference (and holder if different from NL applicant) and date granted
35/959—Spring Oilseed Rape Plant Genetic Systems, Belgium Test and Trials Complete1 1996–Application 20/11/95 Granted 3/1/96
1997—Marketing Consent—94/M1/1 Granted 28/2/96
35/960—Spring Oilseed Rape Plant Genetic Systems, Belgium Test and Trials Complete 1 1996—95/R15/15—Application 20/11/95 Granted 3/1/96
1997—Marketing Consent—94/M1/1 Granted 28/2/96
35/1174—Winter Oilseed Rape Plant Genetic Systems, Belgium November 19992 1997–97/R15/20—Application 9/6/97 Granted 1/8/97
1998–98/R15/24—Application 16/2/98 Granted 10/7/98
35/1175—Winter Oilseed Rape Plant Genetic Systems, Belgium November 19992/ 1997–97/R15/20—Application 9/6/97 Granted 1/8/97
1998–98/R15/24—Application 16/2/98 Granted 10/7/98
35/1184—Winter Oilseed Rape Monsanto Crop Protection, UK November 19992 96/R22/6—Application 20/6/96 Granted 6/8/96
35/1185—Winter Oilseed Rape Monsanto Crop Protection, UK November 19992 96/R22/6—Application 20/6/96 Granted 6/8/96
35/1210—Spring Oilseed Rape Plant Genetic Systems, Belgium November 19992 1998–97/R15/23—Application 8/12/97 Granted 19–3-98
199–98/R19/18—Application 4/15/98 Granted 22/3/99 (Agrevo)
35/1211—Spring Oilseed Rape Plant Genetic Systems, Belgium November 19992 1998–97/R15–23—Application 4/12/98 Granted 19/3/98
1999–98/R19/18—Application 4//12/98 Granted 22/3/98 (Agrevo)
35/1222—Spring Oilseed Rape Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc., USA November 19992 97/R24/2—Application 5/1/98 Granted 1/4/98