§ 24. Mr. FlightTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will take steps to increase the accountability of the way in which EU aid money is disbursed. [57825]
§ Clare ShortWe consistently support measures to improve the financial management and control of the Community budget. In particular we support measures to strengthen the role of the European Court of Auditors which were agreed at the Amsterdam Intergovernmental conference last year. Improving financial management and strengthening the fight against fraud were priorities of the UK Presidency of the EU.
§ 26. Mr. SpringTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the proportion of the UK aid programme which is disbursed through multilateral organisations. [57827]
§ Clare ShortIn 1997–98 nearly one half of the UK aid programme was disbursed through multilateral organisations.