Structural Adjustment Programmes

HC Deb 19 March 1999 vol 327 cc603-4W

Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has made to the IMF and World Development Bank concerning the impact of structural adjustment programmes on health and education programmes. [77168]

Clare Short

In all my discussions with both the Managing Director of the IMF and the President of the World Bank, I have underlined the importance of protecting anti-poverty spending during adjustment. In particular, I have stressed the importance of avoiding interventions which work against the poor having access to health and education services. We were pleased that the 1998 Review of ESAF proposed that the IMF should pay greater attention to the potential social impact of adjustment programmes, drawing on the expertise of the World Bank and paying particular attention to health and education. We are following closely the implementation of these recommendations.