§ Sir Alastair GoodladTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development by what criteria it is decided whether her Department or the FCO should fund projects in overseas countries to develop(a) alternatives to custodial sentences and (b) the rule of law. [43125]
§ Clare ShortThe Department for International Development's aim is to improve access to justice, especially for poor and disadvantaged peoples. We also work to create an enabling environment for economic growth in states committed to poverty elimination. The ability to resolve disputes through the legal system with reasonable speed and without corruption has been shown to be an important factor in stimulating domestic and foreign investment. We support these activities where there is need and commitment and where we have a comparative advantage. We are also increasingly working to strengthen traditional systems and ways of settling disputes which can help provide a cheaper and more accessible justice and strengthen alternatives to custodial sentences.
Rule of law co-operation and prison reform are also among the priorities for the FCC,' s new Human Rights Project Fund.