HC Deb 11 July 1990 vol 176 cc268-9W
87. Mr. Gerald Howarth

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make it his policy to use aid as a lever to promote democracy, human rights and free market economies.

Mrs. Chalker

I refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State's speech to the Overseas Development Institute on 6 June 1990.

Economic and social progress depends to a large degree on effective and honest government, political pluralism, observance of the rules of law and sound market-based economic policies.

The adoption or otherwise of such policies and practices is an important factor in deciding upon the level and form of aid we are prepared to provide to particular developing countries.

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