§ Tony BaldryTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has made to the IMF to ensure that public spending targets account for the need to finance free basic education in developing countries. [31673]
§ Mr. BoatengThe UK has been at the forefront of encouraging the IMF to reform their medium term programmes to ensure that these deliver growth and poverty reduction. A key element of the new design of IMF programmes is the undertaking to support pro-poor budgets, which includes protecting and expanding where possible education spending. In recent years the IMF programmes have supported the introduction of free education in several countries, including Uganda and Tanzania.