§ 19. Mr. ChaytorTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to support poverty reduction programmes in Cameroon; and if she will make a statement. [132199]
§ Clare ShortWe are supporting poverty reduction in Cameroon in the forestry sector. Many of Cameroon's poorest people live in, and are dependent on, the forest zones for their livelihoods. We plan to intensify this by working closely with Government, civil society and other international agencies to support a sector reform programme. The UK supported Cameroon's bid for access to the heavily Indebted Poor Countries' initiative (HIPC). To ensure that the resources released are targeted on poverty reduction, we will continue to press for action to reduce the high levels of corruption and strengthen financial management in the public sector.