HC Deb 19 July 2002 vol 389 c591W
Gregory Barker

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations her Department has received regarding(a) erosion and (b) soil degradation resulting from the Pacific Rim Plantation. [69040]

Clare Short

In 2000 my Department received representations from Down to Earth and a number of Indonesian NGOs about possible deforestation/land issues at two palm oil plantations in which CDC had invested in Indonesia. In 2001 representations were received from Friends of the Earth concerning deforestation issues in Papua New Guinea. I am content that CDC looked into the allegations fully.

Gregory Barker

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations her Department has received regarding the Pacific Rim Plantations environmental effect on Queen Alexandra's Birdwing butterfly habitat. [69039]

Clare Short

In 2001 my Department received representations by Friends of the Earth in relation to conservation of the Queen Alexandra's Birdwing Butterfly. The butterfly's habitat is in a province of Papua New Guinea where CDC has invested in the establishment of new oil palm plantations.