§ 9. Fiona MactaggartTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her assessment is of the impact of measures taken to alleviate indebtedness in the poorest countries. [687]
§ 18. Andrew BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress is being made by her Department in reducing third-world debt. [696]
§ Clare ShortTwenty three countries have now qualified for exceptional relief under the heavily indebted poor countries (HIPC) initiative. Over $53 billion of debt relief has been agreed for these countries, which will reduce their debts by almost two-thirds on average. The money released is directly linked to poverty reduction. The impact of this debt reduction means that, after debt relief, social expenditures in these HIPC countries are projected to rise by an average of some US$1.7 billion per year during 2001–02. We hope more countries will qualify for relief this year, but many of the remaining countries are affected by conflict or have yet to demonstrate their commitment to reform.