asked the Lord Privy Seal what further discussions he has had about the establishment of an energy affiliate to the World Bank; and if he will make a statement.

There have been no international discussions since last autumn. The Government favour an increase in World Bank lending for energy projects and would be ready to support an Energy Affiliate as a means to that end, provided that it could attract additional funds not otherwise available to the World Bank, particularly from capital surplus countries. However, there seems little prospect of early agreement on an Energy Affiliate and the World Bank is exploring other ways of increasing finance for energy development.