§ 3. Mr. Huw Edwards (Monmouth)What discussions he has had with Governments of the G8 about the relief of the debts of the world's most impoverished nations. [74909]
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. Tony Lloyd)We used last year's G8 presidency to advance the heavily indebted poor countries initiative, agreeing at the Birmingham summit that all eligible countries should be in the debt relief process by 2000. We and our Government partners are preparing for further discussions at this year's Foreign Ministers and Heads of Government meetings.
On 3 March, my right hon. Friends the Chancellor and the Secretary of State for International Development announced a four-point plan to help debt relief and aid poverty reduction in the developing world. It includes a $50 billion debt reduction target for the poorest countries.
§ Mr. EdwardsI thank my hon. Friend on behalf of the Jubilee 2000 campaign in my constituency and I commend the Government for being one of the leading countries—if not the leading country—in the relief of debt. Does he agree with me and with the Bishop of 871 Monmouth, who recently said that if we are against slavery, we must be for the relief of the most unpayable debts of the world's most impoverished countries?
§ Mr. LloydMy hon. Friend rightly congratulates the Government on the steps that we have already taken. There is no doubt that all manner of ailments flow from poverty to beset the developing world, including conflicts, premature death and poor education and health. The role of the British Government in beginning to make the case for change has been important. The initiative announced by my right hon. Friends the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for International Development seeks to wipe out $50 billion of debt and to provide development assistance to the tune of $60 billion by the end of 2000. Those are significant steps. The Chancellor's announcement of millennium gift aid tax discretion is also important in ensuring that good will among the people of the United Kingdom can be translated into practical action to relieve poverty among the poorest people and countries.