Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Caroline Nokes and Stephen O'Brien

Wednesday 13th July 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr O'Brien]

As I am sure the hon. Lady will recognise, to start from the premise that finance should take the form of either loans or grants is to start at the wrong end of the question. The first question that should be asked is “What will best achieve the desired result and give the most help to vulnerable smallholder farmers?” That said, most of the finance does take the form of grants, and, as the hon. Lady knows, 50% of it is being provided through the international climate fund to help smallholder farmers to adapt.

[Caroline Nokes (Romsey and Southampton North) (Con)]

2. What recent assessment he has made of his Department’s work in Burundi; and if he will make a statement.