HC Deb 01 July 1998 vol 315 cc340-1
2. Mr. Nicholas Winterton (Macclesfield)

What steps her Department has taken to encourage stable and democratic government as part of its aid programme. [46865]

The Secretary of State for International Development (Clare Short)

Good governance is essential to the achievement of sustainable economic growth, which is the only way to achieve a lasting reduction in poverty. It is clear from experience that conditions imposed on reluctant Governments in return for aid or loans tend to fail to secure reform, while Governments who are committed to poverty reduction use aid to invest in human development and economic progress. Good governance is therefore crucial to development, and it is the focus of much of our work. In 1997–98, we committed more than £70 million in efforts to promote good governance, including democratic reform.

Mr. Winterton

I thank the right hon. Lady for that reply. I presume that she agrees that good governance is an essential factor in the determination of which states are best able to tackle both poverty and debt repayment. Does she accept that multi-party government is another essential element in ensuring that we can achieve more through United Kingdom aid, and reduce poverty and deprivation in countries to which we give aid?

Clare Short

I entirely accept that, without good governance and the intention to promote poverty reduction and sustainable economic growth, no amount of conditionality or intervention will succeed. We need to back Governments who are determined to reduce poverty, and to introduce optimistic models. When Governments are not determined, we must find ways—for instance, through non-governmental organizations—to assist people who are suffering; but sustained development will not be possible in those countries.

In general, I agree with what the hon. Gentleman said about multi-party democracy. He may have had Uganda particularly in mind. I remind him that there is a commitment for the people of Uganda to decide in 2000 whether they want multi-partyism, or prefer to retain their present system of democracy. We say that that is for the people of Uganda, not us, to dictate; but the principles of democracy, and the ability to vote out a Government and local representatives, are key, and must be observed everywhere.

Mrs. Alice Mahon (Halifax)

As my right hon. Friend will know, the NGOs in Afghanistan have now been moved into very unsuitable accommodation, and the persecution of women in that country by the odious Taliban continues. What, if anything, can the international community, and those who—obviously—are still giving aid to the persecuted in Afghanistan, do in the way of sanctions, or making the Taliban behave humanely towards women and children?

Clare Short

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The Taliban has, for example, attempted to prevent women in difficult labour from going to hospital, because women are not allowed to go to the same hospitals as men. That is a fundamental issue of human rights: it is crude apartheid, and is causing enormous suffering. We are trying to get the international community to agree on an absolute precondition of equal treatment if any help is to be given, and the Red Cross has bravely stood by that. As long as everyone stands together, I think that we can secure that position, but it is a constant battle.

Mr. William Cash (Stone)

Is not one of the best ways of ensuring democratic and stable government in many of those regimes—especially in the poorest countries—to ensure a proper reduction in debt, and the interest on debt? As chairman of the all-party parliamentary campaign for Jubilee 2000, may I ask the Secretary of State to give earnest consideration to ensuring that that debt is reduced by 2000, and that we are not given answers that really come from the Treasury? The right hon. Lady has specific responsibilities; will she use them to the utmost effect?

Clare Short

I assure the hon. Gentleman that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer and I are working together in absolute agreement. We are determined to secure more speedy implementation of the highly indebted poor countries initiative. I agree that countries that are saddled with massive unpayable debts are set up to fail, because they cannot secure the resources with which to promote education, health and other aspects of human development.

We are strongly committed to backing good government. As I told the hon. Member for Macclesfield (Mr. Winterton), a Government who commit themselves to poverty reduction and improving health and education should then have the opportunity to have their debt written down to sustainable development, so that they can succeed and make progress. We are committed to securing the fastest possible progress.