§ The Earl of Sandwichasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why, and on what criteria, they decided some time ago not to include in their aid programme Tamil Nadu, one of India's largest and poorest states, and whether this decision will be reviewed.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)No decision has been taken to exclude Tamil Nadu, which in fact ranks well amongst Indian states on per capita income and infant mortality. However DfID has had a policy of concentrating activities in four states: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Orissa and West Bengal. In a country as large and diverse as India, this helps increase the effectiveness and impact of aid, especially for the poorest. We are ready to consider good project proposals in other states if they are in line with our country strategy and if we believe we are well placed to assist.