§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent representations her Department has received concerning forest fires in Sumatra; and if she will make a statement. [116542]
§ Clare ShortNo formal representations have been made to my Department regarding the forest fires in Sumatra. Rapid deforestation over the past two decades 185W has led to a situation where forest fires and smoke pollution from illegal land clearing has become an annual problem during the mid-year dry season. The fires have started unusually early this year, although most recent reports suggest that the rains have again quelled the fires in both Sumatra and Kalimantan.
A number of donors are supporting efforts to combat forest fires directly. My Department is keen to work with others to address the underlying causes. We are helping design a programme that will promote more equitable and sustainable management of Indonesia's forests and give poor people a greater share of the benefits.