HC Deb 22 March 1994 vol 240 cc180-1W
Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how his Department's use of overseas aid helps reduce political instability in the countries to which it is awarded, as asserted at paragraph 34 of his Department's annual report 1994, Cm. 2502.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The promotion of good govern-ment—including democracy and the rule of law—is one of the ODA's priority objectives. This contributes directly to political stability by strengthening legal channels for the resolution of political differences. More generally, the main purpose of ODA's assistance is to promote economic and social development, thus addressing some of the causes of political instability. We have paid particular attention to helping to improve the economy and civil society in countries which have experienced periods of civil unrest such as Uganda and Mozambique.

Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs between what dates the section on aid and trade provision review within the chapter on the overseas aid budget at pages 56–58 of his departmental annual report and expenditure plans 1994–95 to 1997–98 Cm. 2502 was written.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The ODA section of the report, including the section on the aid and trade provision, was compiled and edited during the period September 1993 to January 1994. The text on the aid and trade provision was first drawn up in November 1993.

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