| Previous Section | Index | Home Page |
Congo
Mr. Bercow:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the level of humanitarian aid from HM Government dispatched to the Congo; and what steps she is taking to ensure such aid is not appropriated by the combatants. [106384]
27 Jan 2000 : Column: 319W
Clare Short:
Since the current conflict began in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in August 1998, the UK has committed £1.7 million in humanitarian assistance to help people affected by the conflict. This includes £0.7 million to assist Congolese refugee populations in Zambia, Tanzania and Uganda.
Humanitarian assistance is provided to meet the needs of affected populations in the most effective way possible. In the DRC, the UK's assistance has been provided through the United Nations and well-established non- governmental organisations. My Department is in regular contact with these and other organisations active in the DRC, and receives written reports to account for all the Department for International Development's humanitarian expenditure. Organisations are expected to identify the beneficiaries of any project supported by the UK to ensure that resources are targeted at the civilian populations in most need.
Mr. Bercow:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what measures are being taken to restrict the spread of HIV in the Great Lakes Region; and if she will make a statement. [106404]
Clare Short:
Tackling the HIV/AIDS epidemic must play a central part in helping to reduce poverty, and to work for peace, security and prosperity in Africa. At the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in South Africa in November 1999, the Prime Minister announced a new UK Government commitment of £22.7 million for HIV/AIDS in Africa. This includes £14 million to the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) to help develop a safe and affordable vaccine.
In the Great Lakes region, the current conflicts exacerbate the difficulties of addressing health issues. In the cases of Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the United Nations Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeals contain interventions to help tackle the spread of HIV/AIDS.
In Rwanda in particular, the World Bank and DFID are working together to design a support programme for the education sector. Plans under discussion include support for HIV/AIDS awareness.
Ms Squire:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what role her Department will play in helping developing countries secure a fair share of the benefits of globalisation. [107554]
Clare Short:
Globalisation is at a critical stage for developing countries. It is generating massive wealth and has the potential to help lift millions out of abject poverty. But it could also lead to increased inequality, with the risk that some countries remain marginalised and in poverty. My Department is analysing the issues surrounding globalisation and its impact on development, with a view to publishing a second White Paper in the autumn. This would also look at the experience of the three years since our first White Paper and provide the platform for the work of the Department over the next few years.
27 Jan 2000 : Column: 320W
Mr. Amess:
To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what arrangements are made in respect of the allowances paid to hon. Members who are also members of (a) the Scottish Parliament and (b) the Welsh Assembly. [107268]
Mrs. Beckett:
The arrangements for hon. Members who are also Members of the Scottish Parliament or National Assembly for Wales are the same as those for other hon. Members.
Mr. Stunell:
To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, how many doorkeepers have been recruited in each year since 1990; and in each year how many have been (a) former military personnel with 22 or more years service and (b) other former military personnel; and how many have been (i) men and (ii) women. [106476]
Mr. Kirkwood:
Doorkeepers have been recruited in the following years since 1990:
| Year | Number | Over 22 years military service | Under 22 years military service | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 4 | -- |
| 1994 | 3 | 1 | -- | 1 | 2 |
| 1996 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 5 | -- |
| 1998 | 2 | -- | 1 | 2 | -- |
| Total | 14 | 5 | 3 | 12 | 2 |
Mr. Stunell: To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what is the current complement of doorkeepers; and what plans there are to vary this. [106477]
Mr. Kirkwood: The current complement of Doorkeepers is:
1 x Principal Doorkeeper
2 x Deputy Principal Doorkeeper
3 x Senior Doorkeeper
27 x Doorkeepers (1 unfilled post).
The House of Commons Commission approved the recommendation of the Board of Management on the report of the Staff Inspector on the Doorkeeper grades on 24 November 1997. Any variations to this complement will arise from follow up reviews by the Staff Inspector.
AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD
Common Fisheries Policy
Mr. Bercow:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if it is the Government's policy to conclude a review of the Common Fisheries Policy prior to the expiry of the derogation in 2002 of the six and
27 Jan 2000 : Column: 321W
12 mile limits; and if he will make a statement on the legal status of those waters in the period between expiry and agreement. [106308]
Mr. Morley:
I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 20 January 2000, Official Report, column 575W.
Under Article 14(2) of Council Regulation (EC) 3760/92 the council is required to take any necessary decisions on the future of the Common Fisheries policy by 31 December 2002. The question of a legal hiatus does therefore not arise.
27 Jan 2000 : Column: 322W
Mr. David Heath:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list each application for national seed listing of genetically-modified varieties, indicating (a) the application number, (b) the company name, (c) the approximate date for decision, (d) the release consent number, (e) the date consent was granted and (f) if different from the national list applicants, the applicants' names. [104760]
Ms Quin:
The information is set out in the table.
27 Jan 2000 : Column: 321W
(34) Formerly Plant Genetic Systems
(35) Marketing consent permits seed multiplication only
(36) Tests and trials complete, awaiting promulgation of marketing consents under Directive 90/220
(37) Subject to promulgation of marketing consents under 90/220 and satisfactory completion of tests and trials
(38) Subject to satisfactory completion of tests and trials
27 Jan 2000 : Column: 323W
| Next Section | Index | Home Page |