§ 23. Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he has taken to co-ordinate Scottish non-governmental organisations involved in aid programmes and assistance to countries which have experienced conflict or humanitarian and natural disasters with the work of other UK organisations. [136343]
§ Mr. WilsonThere was a debate in the Scottish Grand Committee on 10 July about the Scottish Contribution to International Development. To mark this debate, my right hon. Friend and my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development hosted an international development reception at the Scotland Office building at Melville Crescent, Edinburgh. This reception enabled representatives of Scottish non-governmental organisations engaged in overseas work to meet in an informal atmosphere and discuss issues of concern with Ministers and officials.
This Government have a strong commitment to International Development. The UK is a leading player in the international objective of halving by 2015 the proportion of those living in extreme poverty. To help achieve this, the proportion of the UK's Gross National Product being devoted to overseas aid will rise from 0.29 per cent. in 2000–01 to 0.33 per cent. in 2003–04.
Scotland plays a major part in the work carried out by the UK. As my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary said at the Scottish Grand Committee, his Department works closely with Scottish institutions and society, and the Scottish Executive, to help achieve the Government's objectives.