HC Deb 29 March 2000 vol 347 c186W
Mr. Nicholas Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the future of her Department's aid programme in Zimbabwe. [115434]

Clare Short

Our programmes in Zimbabwe are focused on assisting the poor—who are suffering most from the current crises. We have made clear since 1997 that we strongly support the case for land reform in Zimbabwe and have been willing to support reforms that are transparent, lawful and focused on providing land for poor Zimbabweans. I have recently approved a £5 million programme to support a land reform initiative that respects these principles which are being organised by civil society and the private sector.