HC Deb 10 April 2002 vol 383 cc262-3W
Dr. Tonge

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to discuss the Poverty Reduction Strategy papers under preparation with the IMF and World Bank at their Spring Meeting in April 2002, with particular reference to the(a)financial resources required to achieve the 2015 development targets, (b)creation of a post-conflict assistance account and (c)definition of debt sustainability. [46883]

Mr. Boateng

We expect the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings to cover a broad range of issues of relevance to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals; including support HIPC Initiative and support for countries emerging from conflict and the need to increase the level and effectiveness of finance for development.

In addition, the Government will continue to press for action to ensure that HIPC countries leave the process with sustainable levels, and that in particular each country will have its debt sustainability reviewed at Completion Point and will receive additional debt relief as appropriate.

The Post-Conflict Assistance Account had been set up following last Spring Meetings and the UK has been the first country to contribute to this fund. Several countries have already benefited from this account and the Government will continue to press for other donors to contribute.