§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimate she has made of the impact on international poverty alleviation of making available the United Nations Development Programme's estimated requirement of —80 billion in the current year. [89769]
§ Clare ShortThe United Nations Development Programme, together with other UN organisations and the World Bank, has calculated that —80 billion per year would mean basic social services would be available to everyone in the world in the next 15 years. This would have an enormous impact on international poverty reduction and achievement of the International Development targets, particularly in the areas of health and education. Current international overseas development assistance is —50 billion.
The United Kingdom Government have made firm financial provision for an additional £1.6 billion of development assistance over the years 1999–2000— 2001–02. But it is increasingly clear that aid spending is effective in reducing poverty only when sound policies are in place in recipient countries. Where this is lacking, aid is best spent on technical assistance to support reform and support for civil society so that it is able to press for the adoption of policy to reduce poverty.