Written question asked by Robert Key (Conservative) on Tuesday, 21 December 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 17 January 2005. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Monday, 17 January 2005 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make a statement on the financial position of the World Conservation Monitoring Centre in Cambridge; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the financial position of the World Conservation Monitoring Centre in Cambridge; and if she will make a statement. [207469] Mr. Morley: The UNEP-World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) has experienced short term financial difficulties caused by a combination of factors, including exchange rate fluctuations between the US dollar and sterling and changes in the way the Centre's core funding is provided. Defra officials are in discussion with UNEP, WCMC Trustees and staff of the Centre to explore ways to secure its short and long-term future.

Secondary information