HC Deb 27 June 1996 vol 280 cc203-4W
Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what financial assistance and other forms of aid he has given over the past 10 years to the United Nations agencies that are attempting to eliminate female genital mutilation; and if he will make a statement. [34161]

Mr. Hartley

Many of the UN agencies to which we contribute are tackling the problem of female genital mutilation in their programmes but it is not possible to determine what proportion of our contributions have been used specifically for this purpose.

Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what occasions in the last 10 years he has provided financial and other assistance, in terms of health education, to countries that have implemented, or are seeking to implement, local campaigns to eliminate female genital mutilation; and if he will make a statement. [34163]

Mr. Hanley

I shall write to the hon. Gentleman as soon as possible.

Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has held with his ministerial colleagues in the context of the EU multilateral aid programme concerning countries that tolerate female genital mutilation; and if he will make a statement. [34164]

Mr. Hanley

There have been no recent discussions between Ministers on this subject in the context of the EU multilateral aid programme. We continue to work closely with other member states to ensure the implementation of the 1995 development council resolution on gender equality.

Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) on what occasion in the last 10 years he has refused foreign aid to countries on the grounds that their Governments tolerate female genital mutilation; and if he will make a statement; [34162]

(2) what proposals he has to increase foreign aid to countries that are taking action to eliminate female genital mutilation; and if he will make a statement. [34165]

Mr. Hanley

We believe that the best means to bring the practice of female genital mutilation to an end is to change attitudes: for example, through seedcorn initiatives for reproductive health and women's empowerment programmes. We support measures to this end and continue to express our views in wider dialogue with relevant governments.