HC Deb 17 June 2002 vol 387 c61W
Mr. Wray

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had since January 2001 with UN and EU representatives regarding the global clean water supply. [61190]

Clare Short

I have had no direct discussions on this matter with UN and EU representatives since January 2001. However, I have worked on this issue with my officials who are in regular contact on water supply, sanitation and water resources issues with counterparts in EU member states, the EC and relevant UN organisations.

Mr. Laurence Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on plans to liberalise water services. [61933]

Clare Short

1.1 billion people lack access to safe and affordable water supply and 2.4 billion lack access to sanitation. In developing countries poor people often pay far more than the better off for their water. We are committed to improving access to safe and affordable water supply and sanitation services. Partnerships involving the public and private sectors and civil society will be essential to achieve this. Our focus is to support the structuring of these partnerships in a way that responds to the needs of, and ensures benefits for, poor people through pro-poor contracts, good regulatory frameworks, and appropriate tariff structures.

Mr. Wray

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps the Government have taken since 1997 to increase access to clean water in the Third World; and if she will make a statement. [61189]

Clare Short

My Department is committed to the Millennium Development Goal of halving, by 2015, the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water, and to a complementary target for access to improved sanitation.

DFID has an extensive programme of engagement in water supply, sanitation and water resources management through our bilateral support to developing countries. In 2000–01 DFID spent £90.6 million on improving access to water services, an increase of 7 per cent. on the previous year. At an international level we are actively engaged in encouraging policies and practices that will ensure that poor people benefit from improved access to water and sanitation services. DFID's priorities are set out in our strategy paper "Addressing the Water Crisis—Healthier and More Productive Lives for Poor People", which is available in the Library of the House.