HC Deb 16 January 1996 vol 269 cc505-6W
Miss Lestor

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the aims and objectives of United Kingdom development assistance following the Overseas Development Administration's fundamental expenditure review. [8874]

Mr. Hanley

The ODA fundamental expenditure review reviewed the ODA's mission statement set out in its 1995 departmental report. It concluded that there was scope for greater clarity and focus about what the ODA should be seeking to achieve. As a consequence, the ODA has adopted the following revised mission statementODA's purpose is to improve the quality of life of people in poorer countries by contributing to sustainable development and reducing poverty and suffering. To this end ODA will aim:

  • to encourage sound development policies, efficient markets and good government;
  • to help people achieve better education and health and to widen opportunities—particularly for women;
  • to enhance productive capacity and to conserve the environment; and
  • to promote international policies for sustainable development and enhance the effectiveness of multilateral development institutions."

This revised mission statement will appear in ODA's 1996 departmental report.