§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the status of the China Western Poverty Reduction Project. [128477]
§ Clare ShortBritain supported this project in the Bank Board meeting in June 1999 because it would bring significant benefits to 1.7 million of the poorest people in China. We also supported the Board conclusion that no funds would be disbursed on the Qinghai component of the project until an independent Inspection Panel had conducted an investigation, and pending further environmental and social assessments.
The report by the Independent Inspection Panel, and Bank Management's response to it, will be discussed at a World Bank Board meeting on 6 July 2000. We are looking very carefully at the conclusions of the Inspection Panel Report, and Management's response to it, in preparation for the Bank Board meeting.
3W
§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent representations she has received concerning the status of the China Western Poverty Reduction Project. [128478]
§ Clare ShortI have received representations on the issue of the China Western Poverty Reduction Project from members of the public, from hon. Members and from organisations which concern themselves with the welfare of Tibetans.