§ Mr. RoweTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she has taken to implement the issues paper on disability, poverty and development; and if she will require a disability equality checklist to be available before proposals are funded by her Department. [133107]
§ Mr. FoulkesWe have been supporting work on disability for a long time. The issues paper "Disability, Poverty and Development", has put this work on a more strategic footing. Published earlier this year (February 2000), it has been circulated to all our offices and will be an influence in the future development of country programmes. It recognises the importance of ensuring the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the fight against poverty. To achieve such an aim, we do not view disability equality checklists as the most appropriate tools, and will not be requiring their use.
§ Mr. RoweTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many projects in support of disabled people and their organisations have been supported by her Department in 1999–2000; and at what cost. [133106]
§ Mr. FoulkesIt is not possible to provide the precise number or cost of all my Department's activities in support of disabled people and their organisations. We support disabled people in a number of ways. In 1999–2000, almost £800,000 was spent on 26 projects thorough a joint funding scheme with non-governmental organisations. Additionally there are many initiatives at country level which either specifically target the needs of disabled people or incorporate their concern in wider development projects.