§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what are the levels of UK Government aid to(a) Rwanda and (b) the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the current financial year. [10800]
§ Clare ShortSince April 1997, we have disbursed £1 million to Rwanda and almost £0.5 million to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in bilateral emergency and rehabilitation assistance. We expect to provide a further £4.9 million to Rwanda in 1997–98 to help fulfil a pledge of £8 million made in 1996. We shall continue to provide emergency assistance to Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo as needs arise. Britain has also provided £95 million to the region since 1994 through the EU.
£ million Year and amount 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 1998–99 1999–00 Capital 2.1 6.1 3.0 3.0 3.0 Recurrent 0.5 1.8 1.4 0.6 0.6 Total 2.6 7.9 4.4 3.6 3.6 The development and maintenance of information systems is essential for the continued effective administration of the aid programme. Capital expenditure on computer-related work was relatively high in 1996–97 because of the need to replace obsolescent equipment, the introduction of Windows and the introduction of the systems required for resource accounting and budgeting. Recurrent expenditure in 1996–97 and 1997–98 is relatively high because of the costs of training staff in the operation of the new systems. Among other things, the new systems will facilitate improved communications and lead to better access to information.