§ Joyce QuinTo ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what discussions the Department has had with the Government of Jamaica about the programme to eradicate screwworm in that country; and whether the Department has made a financial contribution to the programme.[126079]
§ Hilary BennThere has been no discussion between the Department and the Government of Jamaica on the prospect of British support for the eradication of screwworm in Jamaica. The National Screwworm Eradication Programme in Jamaica is funded primarily by the US Department of Agriculture—who are attempting to establish a permanent sterile fly barrier zone in Central America and the Caribbean—and by the Jamaican Chamber of Commerce. DFID's support for Jamaica is focused on two key areas:(a) restoring security and social and economic inclusion and (b) improving services and opportunities for the poor.