Written question asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench) on Monday, 17 June 2019, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 1 July 2019. It was answered by Baroness Goldie (Conservative) on Monday, 1 July 2019 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Burma: Dams

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the statement by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Myanmar about the Myitsone dam project in Kachin State, Burma, published on 8 June, in particular that that dam project would “provoke a humanitarian catastrophe” of forcible displacement, migration and natural disasters; and what representations they are making about the impact of the project with the governments of Burma and China.

Answer: The British Government remains concerned about potential risks attached to the Myitsone Dam project. We urge both the Chinese and Burmese governments to ensure that infrastructure projects comply with international norms and standards, including environmental and socials standards and the necessity of consultations with affected communities. It is vital that much needed infrastructure investments deliver sustainable and equitable development impacts for the people of Burma. We have raised this issue with the both the Government of Burma and the Chinese Ambassador to Burma.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL16388
Session: 2017-19
Subjects: Construction China Natural disasters Migration Myanmar Internally displaced people Dams
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk