HC Deb 01 March 2000 vol 345 cc292-3W
12. Mr. Brady

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent representations she has received relating to UK aid to Zimbabwe; and if she will make a statement. [111184]

19. Mr. Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what non-financial assistance she is giving to Zimbabwe; and if she will make a statement. [111191]

28. Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the future of the aid programme to Zimbabwe. [111200]

Clare Short

Appalling economic management has brought Zimbabwe to a crisis. The International Financial Institutions are urging the Government to take action to improve economic management and focus on the reduction of poverty. We have also made it clear that there is a strong case for land reform and that we would provide support for a programme that was fully transparent and focused on helping poor farmers.

Some 70 per cent. of Zimbabwean households fall below the poverty line. Cutting aid would hurt the people who have suffered most through economic mismanagement. We will continue to work with progressive forces in Zimbabwe, where we judge our aid can be effective.