§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with other Government departments regarding relief of debt to UK companies who supply services and goods to heavily indebted poor countries as a result of tied aid. [127902]
§ Mr. FoulkesNone. Debt relief is not provided to UK companies. It is provided to governments of Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) who are committed to eradicating poverty, to benefit the poor. The Government have agreed to provide complete relief on all debts owed to the Export Credit Guarantee Department for those countries which qualify for the HIPC initiative. Aid debts have already been cancelled.