HC Deb 25 February 1998 vol 307 cc350-1
2. Mr. Baldry

If she will make a statement on the role of non-governmental organisations in the delivery of development assistance. [29611]

Clare Short

We have strong links with British NGOs which, as the hon. Gentleman knows, are involved in a wide range of tasks supporting development. We also have strong links with community groups and other NGOs in developing countries. We intend to launch a formal consultation on how those relationships can be updated to complement the strategy outlined in the Government's White Paper.

Mr. Baldry

Everyone will welcome NGOs' being more involved in the development of Government policy. Does the right hon. Lady agree that when one considers Britain's contribution to development overseas, it is not just a matter of how much we give by way of gross domestic product; into that account should be put the enormous work and effort of the UK NGOs, which make a considerable contribution to promoting development overseas? For example, the British Red Cross, which yesterday received a new charter direct from the Queen, has done work in northern Turkey with the Kurds and in Angola. Every day, thousands of UK volunteers are working in various parts of the world. Their contribution should never be forgotten when we are considering the contribution that Britain as a whole makes to trying to ensure a fairer world.

Clare Short

I agree with the hon. Gentleman. It matters what we put in as a Government—how effectively we disburse our assistance—but the massive contribution of NGOs shows where the heart and the concerns of the British people lie. There is a long track record of engagement with and concern for people overseas, of support for development and in humanitarian disaster relief. We can be proud of the contribution of our NGOs and we should give them all honour and praise for the work that they have done over the years.

Mr. Dalyell

The House will recollect that at the end of his statement on Iraq yesterday, the Prime Minister referred to the role of NGOs. How does my right hon. Friend see NGOs bringing much-needed help to the people of Iraq, as opposed to the regime?

Clare Short

I have been talking with officials in my Department about how we can make a stronger contribution to bringing relief to the people of Iraq. The whole world is concerned at their suffering. We know that much of it is the responsibility of Saddam Hussein, but none the less we all feel for their suffering. My Department tells me that the number of NGOs working in Baghdad-ruled Iraq is limited; our capacity to disburse more funds is therefore limited, as there are relatively few people there. I can give my hon. Friend the assurance that we will do everything we can to increase our bilateral assistance to all parts of Iraq and to ensure that, when the oil-for-food swap is increased, we shall do all we can to ensure that relief in the form of food and drugs gets through to the people.

Sir Alastair Goodlad

Further to the point raised by the hon. Member for Linlithgow (Mr. Dalyell) and the Prime Minister's statement, can the right hon. Lady say which NGOs are involved with British citizens and what advice has been given to them in respect of their personal safety in Iraq?

Clare Short

I am sorry; I shall have to write to the right hon. Gentleman. That is foolish, because I was discussing with my officials that very matter and what more we can do, but I cannot authoritatively recall the names of the organisations. I do not believe that there are currently any worries about security, especially after Kofi Annan's great success in getting the Saddam Hussein regime to back down on inspections. I shall look into the question that the right hon. Gentleman raises and write to him.