HL Deb 06 March 2001 vol 623 cc24-5WA
Lord Alton of Liverpool

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they intend to support the Bush Administration's withdrawal of funding for agencies involved in China's one-child policy. [HL937]

Baroness Amos

The Government disagree with China's one-child policy. UK assistance for sexual and reproductive health anywhere in the world is provided in support of the principles of free and informed choice. Our annual grants to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) support their work throughout the world, including China. Both organisations have programmes in China aimed at promoting better understanding of international standards in reproductive health. We will continue to work in partnership with these organisations to try to secure greater respect for reproductive rights in China.

Lord Alton of Liverpool

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in the light of reports from Hubei Province, China, of the murder of a baby by population enforcement officials, they will consider the funds they provide to organisations which, in turn, fund the Chinese Population Association. [HL936]

Baroness Amos

Both the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) are working in China to promote understanding and adoption of internationally agreed standards in reproductive health.

The incident in Hubei Province is deplorable, and the Government remain concerned about reports of reproductive abuses and other human rights abuses in China. But we also believe that programmes of the kind supported by UNFPA can contribute to improving policy and practice, and to helping to bring about a climate where coercion and abuse will no longer be tolerated.