§ 14. Mrs. BallardTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the United Kingdom's contribution in 1996–97 to the World bank. [18434]
§ Mr. FoulkesIn 1996–97 the United Kingdom contributed a total of £174 million to the World Bank Group, of which £167 million was for the International Development Association (IDA)—the soft lending arm of the Bank which lends to the poorest countries.
§ 16. Mr. TyrieTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the World bank's world development report 1997: "The State in a Changing World". [18436]
§ Clare ShortI very much welcome this report. It contains some key messages about governance and poverty elimination. It supports the view outlined in our White Paper that a proper balance between efficient state institutions and well regulated markets creates the best conditions for sustainable development and economic growth that benefits the poor.