§ Ms AthertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the policy of the Botswanian Government to relocate the bushmen is in accordance with the terms of the programme to support and improve protected reserves agreed between the European Union and the Botswanian Government. [69224]
§ Mr. MacShaneThe relocation of the bushmen from the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is not linked in any way to the terms of the EU programme. While the programme allows for support to inhabitants of the community-use zones adjacent to game reserves, it is not dependent on relocation of people from those reserves.
§ Ms AthertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what part Her Majesty's Government played in negotiating the programme between the European Union and the Botswanian Government to support and improve protected reserves; [69223]
(2) what part her Department had in the negotiation of the programme for supporting and improving protected reserves agreed between the European Union and the Botswanian Government. [692251
§ Mr. MacShaneWe played no direct role in negotiating the programme to support and improve protected reserves. The European Commission does this on behalf of the EU under agreed procedures governing disbursement of the European Development Fund.