HC Deb 12 December 2002 vol 396 c463W
14. Mr. Tom Harris

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the role of the Treasury in pressing for co-ordinated international action to tackle world poverty. [85261]

John Healey

In discussions with fellow finance ministers, the IMF and the World Bank, the Chancellor of the Exchequer is championing a new International Finance Facility (IFF) to finance the investment needed to tackle world poverty. The EU and US have pledged $50 billion that is needed to reach the Millennium Development Goals.

In addition, the Treasury continues to work with DfiD and No. 10 to press our international partners to follow UK's lead on:

  • Aid effectiveness
  • Additional debt relief
  • G8 Africa action plan
  • Improving contribution of aid to improvements in health and education