§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what factors influenced the Government's decision to offer developing countries greater flexibility in the use of aid; and what measures she proposes to prevent aid being used for military purchases. [22469]
§ Clare ShortOur new emphasis on poverty elimination highlights the importance of entering deeper and long-term partnerships with those poorer countries who share our commitment to the international development targets through the adoption of sensible economic, social and political policies. A key feature of the UK's relationships with our developing country partners is to ensure that the latter play a full part in the planning, implementation and evaluation of development projects in their countries.
There is not and will not be any link between aid and sales of British arms equipment.