HC Deb 13 May 1999 vol 331 c205W
18. Ms Drown

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will report on progress made on debt relief for poor countries at the International Monetary Fund and World Bank spring meetings. [83206]

28. Mr. Stinchcombe

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will report on progress made on debt relief for poor countries at the International Monetary Fund and World Bank spring meetings. [83216]

Mr. Gordon Brown

At the Spring meetings of the IMF/World Bank last month I took forward proposals for faster, deeper and wider debt relief. There was general consensus on the need for an enhanced initiative.

I am now hopeful that we can resolve to:

cut the burden of unpayable debt by at least 50 billion dollars in the year 2000;sell IMF gold to help pay for this;increase the aid for health, education and economic development;give a billion through our own charitable giving.