§ Lord Stoddart of Swindonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether safeguards attached to European Union aid to the victims of Hurricane Mitch in Central America will ensure that such aid reaches the victims rather than fraudsters and racketeers. [HL2253]
§ Baroness Amos:Specific decisions on fighting EU fraud are a matter for my right honourable friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. However, the findings of the 15 March report of lack of responsibility and accountability in the Commission's handling of external aid spending—in the Mediterranean, in emergency aid and in nuclear safety in Eastern Europe—give me great concern. I welcome the report and the shake-up it has triggered. Member states can and must now ensure that fraud and weak controls are rooted out and EC funds spent properly and effectively on development and other programmes.