Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Monday, 19 November 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 21 November 2007. It was answered by Joan Ruddock (Labour) on Wednesday, 28 November 2007 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Penguins: Falkland Islands

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assistance the Government has offered the Falklands government in tackling the decline in the number of rockhopper penguins.

Answer: The UK Government continue to provide assistance, when requested, for example, through the Overseas Territories Environment Programme (OTEP), which is administered jointly by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department for International Development (DFID). OTEP has been established to support the Overseas Territories in developing and implementing action plans under their respective Environment Charters. The UK Government have not provided assistance specifically relating to conservation of rockhopper penguins. However, I understand that a bid to OTEP from the Falkland Islands on this issue is likely to be made in the next round of bidding. If so this will be considered alongside all the other projects received by OTEP.

Secondary information