§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her policy towards providing aid to countries with extensive military programmes, including the development of weapons of mass destruction. [42390]
§ Clare ShortMy Department seeks to develop long-term partnerships with countries that are committed to the elimination of poverty and are pursuing appropriate economic, social, environmental and political policies. In considering the opportunities for partnership, we take into account a wide range of factors. These would certainly include the impact on the poor of excessive military expenditure and the development of weapons of mass destruction.