§ Mr. Stephen TwiggTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will suspend the transfer of further funds to the Palestinian Authority for education purposes until the schools under their control are reopened. [137501]
§ Clare ShortWe have provided technical assistance to the Palestinian Ministry of Education for a number of years. Our help has focused on building the capacity of the Ministry, districts and schools to deliver high quality education to Palestinian children. To achieve this we have provided the services of experts, training and a limited amount of equipment. In company with other development partners we are considering further 721W assistance to the education sector. There is no reason to delay this work because of school closures for valid security reasons.