§ Mr. BluntTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much bilateral development assistance her Department plans to spend in the Republic of Kenya in the years 1997–98 and 1998–99. [8580]
§ Clare Short[holding answer 15 July 1997]: Total bilateral aid expenditure is currently expected to be about £30 million in the 1997–98 financial year. It is not possible to predict the size of the programme for 1998–99 in advance of the annual Resource Allocation Round. But the level of assistance will take account of our current policy review of international development and the extent to which Britain can work in partnership with the Government of Kenya, as well as the private sector and NGOs, to reduce poverty in Kenya.
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§ Mr. BluntTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what changes she plans in her policy on giving development assistance to the Republic of Kenya following the recent suppression of democracy activists. [8582]
§ Clare Short[holding answer 15 July 1997]: The Government has made clear its concern about recent events in Kenya and its wish to see free and fair elections.
We will continue to urge the Government of Kenya to promote policies which demonstrate a clear commitment to the reduction of poverty. Our future policies will reflect the extent to which the Kenya Government is able to demonstrate a willingness to pursue pro-poor economic growth, more accountable government and greater respect of human rights and the rule of law.