Dr. Tony WrightTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the public consultation exercises on policy matters carried out by her Department and its agencies in each of the last five years; who was consulted and by what means; how responses were analysed; how and in what form the results were transmitted to those responsible for the consultation; how the results of the consultation were published; and what analysis has been carried out of the extent and nature of policy changes resulting from the consultation. [106297]
§ Clare ShortIn 1997, my Department published its White Paper on International Development following an extensive consultation exercise. This committed us, among other things, to more open and collaborative ways of developing policy. In the following year, we launched a Development Policy Forum. A range of development issues were discussed with individuals and representatives of groups from across society in a series of nine regional forums, culminating in a national Forum. A second round of forums is now underway. The aims are to share thinking and ideas on key current development issues and to raise awareness. A copy of the report of the 1998 Forum and details of the 2000 Forum are available on the DFID website (under 'Working With Us').
In 1998, over 500 UK and overseas civil society groups were consulted as part of a major review of the way DFID works with these organisations. Groups were invited to write to the Department to set out their views. The ideas which emerged were drawn together and discussed further during 1999, resulting in new DFID funding mechanisms to strengthen civil society in poor countries, through civil 317W society groups in the UK. These mechanisms provide for ongoing consultation, and willingness to further review and update arrangements on the basis of lessons learned.
We are also providing published strategies for all the countries and institutions with which we work after a period of consultation with appropriate stakeholders.
In 1999, DFID began a major consultative exercise to produce a set of papers on how the international community, together with developing countries and others, can achieve the International Development Targets set out in the White Paper, and what action DFID should itself be taking to contribute to this global effort. Each of these papers will be produced following a consultation exercise with developing country governments, civil society at home and overseas, the private sector, international development agencies, other donors, academics, and others. Draft copies of each paper are being distributed and written comments invited. Seminars to discuss each draft are being arranged. These papers will be made publicly available when finalised. The analysis they contain of the strategies required to achieve the International Development Targets will be used to sharpen the focus of DFID policies and resource allocations. Further, we hope the analysis will be of value to all those involved in international development, the international agencies, the bilateral donors, civil society organisations and those in developing countries themselves.