§ Sir Alastair GoodladTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's contribution to the Strategic Defence Review. [17745]
§ Clare ShortI had a very interesting and constructive meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Sir Charles Guthrie, which covered a number of subjects of mutual interest, and plan to meet the Secretary of State for Defence later this month.
440WWe have been consulted on the Strategic Defence Review and continue to participate in the discussions and seminars. DFID has participated as a member of the Defence Review Steering Group chaired by the Cabinet Office, and in more detailed discussions of particular issues. These include consideration of the Government's wider international responsibilities, particularly in relation to the maintenance of peace, international order and stability, humanitarian principles and democratic rights. Particular issues of interest to us include:
Disaster preparedness;international conflict prevention and peacekeeping;humanitarian relief and reconstruction—DFID and MOD have collaborated on peacebuilding in Bosnia;controlling arms exports;anti-personnel landmines—co-ordination of resources to focus better military expertise in demining sector, including adaptation of existing technologies to the specific needs of humanitarian demining and the provision of training facilities;military training and promoting civilian control of the armed forces in developing countries—Work in this field can make a significant contribution to our efforts to promote good governance and the rule of law and in curbing excessive military expenditure in poor countries;the respective roles and responsibilities of individual countries and international organisations in emergency situations and areas of conflict; and how we can work together;sharing relevant experience and expertise;developing regional and local capacity in peace building and conflict management.