§ Mr. StreeterTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions she has had with the Indian Government concerning the treatment of religious minorities in India. [147215]
§ Clare ShortI recently visited Madhya Pradesh and discussed this issue with the Chief Minister. On my previous visits to India I discussed the issue with Federal Ministers in Orissa and Andhra Pradesh. UK development assistance to India is targeted on poor people. Ethnic and religious minorities tend to be disproportionately poor. Our efforts are focused on improving their livelihoods and respect for their rights.
§ Mr. StreeterTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the meetings she attended with Indian Government officials during her recent visit to India. [147214]
§ Clare ShortIn Delhi, I met the Union Ministers for Finance, Mr. Yashwant Sinha; for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. C. P. Thakur; and for Power, Mr. Suresh Prabhu. In Madhya Pradesh, I met the Chief Minister,236W Mr. Digvijay Singh and the Minister of Finance, Col. Ajay Mushran, as well as the Chief Secretary, Mr. K. S. Sharma, and other senior officials.