Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of drought in Iran, what assistance they will provide (1) for water conservation and pricing, and (2) to promote public and private cooperation, for example in the region around Isfahan; and whether they plan to make such assistance an early priority for the reopened diplomatic post in Iran.

DFID has no programmes in Iran. However, DFID does provide core funding of £55 million annually to UNDP. Through our core funding, UNDP supports Iran to respond to environmental challenges, including those related to water resources.

The Government remains committed to improving our bilateral relationship with Iran. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office continues to work closely with other government departments on these and other issues concerning the UK/Iran bilateral relationship.