HC Deb 06 November 2000 vol 356 cc2-3W
Mr. Browne

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress has been made in implementing the commitment increase by 50 per cent. spending on basic education, health care and clean water in sub-Saharan Africa. [137185]

Clare Short

At the G7/8 Denver Summit in June 1997 my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister committed the Government to increase by 50 per cent. spending on basic education, health care and clean water in sub-Saharan Africa over the next three years.

To fulfil this promise my Department's target was to commit at least £360 million over the three years to 1997 to 2000 compared with £240 million in the previous three years.

We achieved this at the end of October last year. In total, we have committed £452 million; some 25 per cent. over the target.