§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions she has had with the IMF and World Bank concerning the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative. [106330]
§ Clare ShortWe have regular discussions with the Managing Director of the IMF and the President of the World Bank on a range of issues, including the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative. Through our Executive Director's office in Washington, we are in day-to-day contact with World Bank and IMF management. Currently, we are exchanging ideas on how the poverty reduction strategy approach can be implemented most effectively, so that the enhanced debt relief provided under the HIPC initiative can have the maximum possible benefit for the poor. We also continue to press for the early implementation of the revised HIPC Initiative.
§ Mr. StreeterTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has received from non-Governmental organisations 75W concerning expansion of the number of countries eligible for debt relief under the heavily indebted poor countries initiative. [106640]
§ Clare ShortI have received a number of letters requesting an increase from 41 to 52 to the list of countries eligible for HIPC relief. Countries can be added to the HIPC list as demonstrated by the inclusion of Malawi. However such additions require international agreement. Non-HIPC countries can receive up to 67 per cent. relief on their bilateral debts from the Paris Club of official creditors.