§ Mr. LoveTo ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what aid has been provided to Sierra Leone in each of the last five years; what private investment has taken place as a result; and if he will make a statement. [127807]
§ Hilary BennThe total value of UK official aid to Sierra Leone in each of the last five financial years is as follows:
£thousand 1998–99 9,153 1999–2000 30,044 2000–01 35,148 2001–02 37,177 2002–03 32,756 Our programme does not include direct measures to promote investment. We have focussed on reconstruction and recovery programmes, security sector and governance reforms and budgetary support. The programme is intended to assist the development of safety and security and accountable and effective governance. These are essential conditions for investors. Key areas of our support for the promotion of investor confidence are public financial management, audit and public procurement reform, law reform, support to the Anti Corruption Commission and effective regulation of the diamond industry.
We have recently carried out a review of programmes by the Government of Sierra Leone and other donors to support employment and investment, and are considering the possibility of supporting such programmes. We have also agreed a request by the Government to support a post of adviser on privatisation and investment in the Office of the President.