§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make representations to the European Commission to set up a contracted-out expert network of advisers in reproductive and sexual health. [48262]
§ Clare ShortA network of external advisers in reproductive health, population and HIV/AIDS was created by Directorates General VIII and Ib of the Commission in February 1998, following an open tender competition. Expert advice is being provided by a consortium of four groups: International Health Services (Ghent), Deloitte and Touche and two UK-based groups, Liverpool Associates in Tropical Health and the Futures Group UK.
§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make representations to the European Commission to spend 300 million ecu on reproductive health issues as committed following the Cairo conference. [48261]
§ Clare ShortWe maintain regular dialogue with the Commission on investments in reproductive health in developing countries. The Commission has exceeded its target of committing 300 million ecu in reproductive health assistance in the five years following the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development. We will do all we can to help ensure that this money is spent effectively.