Asked by: Charlotte Leslie (Conservative - Bristol North West)
Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps her Department is taking to encourage investment in renewable energy in the least-developed countries; and if she will make a statement.
Answered by Lord Wharton of Yarm
The UK Government is encouraging investment in renewable energy to improve energy access by poor people and promote economic development, in both the on-grid and off-grid energy sectors. Through our Energy Africa campaign we are also seeking to accelerate the expansion of the household solar market in Africa, removing policy and regulatory barriers to market expansion through compacts with partner countries.
In addition, CDC, the UK’s Development Finance Institution, invests in renewable energy supporting a portfolio of 5.75 GW of capacity already in operation or currently under construction.
Asked by: Charlotte Leslie (Conservative - Bristol North West)
Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will make an assessment of the effect on Nepal's recovery from the 2015 earthquake of India closing border crossings into Nepal.
Answered by Desmond Swayne
We are deeply concerned about the impact of the blockages at the India-Nepal border on the supply and distribution of humanitarian goods. DFID is working on the ground to make sure that vital supplies reach those affected by the earthquake of early 2015. Through its partners, DFID is providing winter support to approximately 42,000 families (over 200,000 people). We welcome the adoption of the National Reconstruction Authority Bill and formation of the National Reconstruction Authority.
DFID and FCO Ministers have discussed their concerns with Ministers from the Governments of Nepal and India. The British Ambassador in Kathmandu is also working closely with others in the international community and is in close contact with Prime Minister Oli and his cabinet.
There has been an increase in the level of goods, including fuel, entering Nepal via India. Despite the main border crossing between the two countries remaining closed, between 60-70% of the usual amount of goods are entering Nepal through alternative border crossings.