HC Deb 21 November 2001 vol 375 c313W
18. Mr. Robathan

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent assessment she has made of the connection between poverty and poor governance. [14163]

Clare Short

Poor countries frequently suffer weak administrative systems, badly managed security sectors, corruption and weak economic management.

Without effective government, poor countries will not be able to achieve the millennium development goals. This argument is set out in our White Paper "Making Globalisation Work for the Poor" and has recently been elaborated in a strategy paper, "Making Government Work for Poor People". This describes the governance capabilities developing and transitional countries require to reduce poverty. Copies are available in the House of Commons Library and on DFID's website.