§ 15. Mr. MullinTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions she has had with the Government of Jamaica regarding human rights and debt relief; and if she will make a statement. [39075]
§ Clare ShortMy officials have held extensive discussions with the Jamaican Government over the last few months with regard to the Commonwealth Debt Initiative. As a result, we have been able to offer Jamaica relief from aid debt repayments for the 1998–99 financial year to the value of £7.3 million. We have also held discussions with the Jamaican Government on prison conditions. We have offered to provide technical assistance in a number of areas, including improvements in the remand process, protection and non-custodial sentences.