§ Sir Alastair GoodladTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what aid programmes her Department is currently supporting in Pakistan and at what costs; and what was the comparable figure for 1997–98. [42232]
§ Clare ShortThe main focus of our development co-operation with Pakistan is improving basic social services, such as elementary education and reproductive health. We are also helping to create better basic infrastructure and livelihoods for poor communities, in both rural and urban areas; and we are supporting various initiatives by Pakistan to enhance the quality of its governance. Final disbursement figures for the 1997–98 UK Financial Year are not yet available, but are expected to maintain the present pattern of spending on our bilateral programme of around £25 million annually.