§ 9. Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's programme of development assistance to west Africa. [37323]
§ Clare ShortWe maintain a substantial development programme to West Africa, and plan to spend around £130 million and contribute £37 million through the EC over the next three years. We provide further support through the World Bank, Africa Development Bank and UN system.
§ 27. Mr. SwayneTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with her European counterparts regarding aid to west Africa. [37341]
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§ Clare ShortI meet my European counterparts regularly, and discuss West African issues with them as appropriate. In particular I have encouraged other European countries to become more deeply engaged in Sierra Leone, both politically and financially. I travelled to Guinea and Sierra Leone with the French Development Minister last May.