To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what follow-up there has been to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission report on the efficiency and costs of, and the service provided by, the Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC). [36610]

The Government's first response to the report on the Commonwealth Development Corporation by the MMC was reported to the House on 25 March 1993, Official Report, columns 653–54. I have today placed in the Library of the House a further and final response by the Government and the CDC. This reports on progress in implementation of MMC recommendations and updates earlier responses to these taking account of the outcome of the quinquennial review of the CDC as reported to Parliament on 3 May 1994 and the corporation's own reviews of strategy and management, and the passage of the Commonwealth Development Corporation Act 1995.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Commonwealth Development Corporation has been authorised to operate in additional countries. [36611]

Following a request from the corporation, approval has been given for the CDC to operate in the Lao People's Democratic Republic and Cuba. In accordance with the strategic targets set out in the quinquennial review CDC will aim to give priority in the private sector.