§ 11. Mr. BaldryTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the discussion she has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on initiatives being taken by Her Majesty's Government to help relieve developing countries' debt. [39071]
§ Clare ShortMy right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer and I recently gave evidence before the Select Committee on International Development, which is conducting an inquiry on debt, and set out the Government's position. While recent progress on the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) debt Initiative is welcome, there is no room for complacency. We are keen to seek ways of assisting post-conflict countries like Rwanda.
§ 19. Mr. PickthallTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with non-governmental organisations on the subject of debt relief; and if she will make a statement. [39079]
§ Clare ShortI regularly meet NGOs and church groups to discuss international debt. Most recently, I met with Jubilee 2000, CAFOD, and representatives of the Archbishops of Canterbury and Westminster, to discuss the rally they are organising in Birmingham on 16 May. I very much welcome the leading role that such groups have played in keeping debt high up the international policy agenda.