§ Dr. NaysmithTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the Government's policy is on the World bank loan to Pakistan agreed on 11 June. [62697]
§ Clare ShortThe World bank board has voted in favour of the Second Structural Adjustment Credit ($500 million) to Pakistan. The loan is part of the international package of assistance to Pakistan's Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy, and supports reform measures that have already been taken. The UK made clear at the board meeting that we strongly support the Pakistan reform agenda but we expressed concerns about the risks posed by the threat of war, and the low levels of social and poverty-related expenditures.