§ 2. Mr. Simon Hughes (Southwark, North and Bermondsey)What are her Department's priorities in Sri Lanka for the financial year 2000–01. [119352]
§ The Secretary of State for International Development (Clare Short)Finding a lasting solution to the long-running conflict is the major priority in reducing poverty in Sri Lanka. Our country strategy was published in September 1999. I will be happy to send the hon. Gentleman a copy. It commits us to a small programme focused on improving the quality of education, particularly at primary level, which is deteriorating I am afraid; improving the livelihood security of the very poor in conflict areas; and working for inter-communal reconciliation.
§ Mr. HughesI am grateful for that answer. The Secretary of State will know that civil war is rapidly escalating, causing injury and death in Sri Lanka. In the light of that, will she consider providing further cross-Government, co-ordinated help with medicines, gaining access to people in war-torn areas and protecting civilians, many of whom are now trapped? Is there any possibility of an initiative by the British Government, together with others in the Commonwealth, to reduce the 131 conflict and get the two sides to back off, so that we can achieve some of the reconciliation and settlement that the right hon. Lady wants as much as we do? Will she give an absolute undertaking on behalf of the Government that none of the arms that we have sold will be used to repress or attack civilians in Sri Lanka?
§ Clare ShortI agree with the hon. Gentleman. The long-running conflict is a disaster for the people of Sri Lanka and it has escalated recently, which is worrying. We are trying to provide help and support for the poor who are affected by the conflict. That work will continue and we remain committed always to providing humanitarian relief where it is needed and where we can. Sometimes that is difficult where there is conflict.
The hon. Gentleman will know that the Norwegian Government are involved in an initiative to broker talks—it is not looking optimistic at the moment. The United Kingdom Government have made it clear that they will be more than willing to help, if both sides want that. We will only be useful in that way.
On the hon. Gentleman's third question on arms, I am sure that the answer is yes, but I cannot say that with authority. I will check and write to him.
§ Mr. Dafydd Wigley (Caernarfon)Does the Secretary of State accept that a long-term solution in Sri Lanka can be secured only when the legitimate rights of all peoples there are respected? In any dealings with the Government in Sri Lanka, will she emphasise the need to ensure fair play for the Tamil peoples as part of their policy? Without that, there will not be long-term stability.
§ Clare ShortI certainly agree with the right hon. Gentleman that peace always requires justice for all people, but I am afraid that, whatever the historical origins of the conflict, continuing fighting by the Tigers is bringing enormous suffering to all the people of Sri Lanka. It is time for peace.
The right hon. Member for Upper Bann (Mr. Trimble) may be interested to know that we have set up links between schools in Sri Lanka and in Northern Ireland to try to learn from some of the reconciliation work in Northern Ireland, so that such matters can be included in the curriculum in Sri Lanka. All the people need peace—of course, with justice, but the conflict should be brought to an end.