HC Deb 25 February 2002 vol 380 cc1051-2W
Mr. Martyn Jones

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the outcome of the recent G7 meeting in Ottawa. [36551]

Ruth Kelly

G7 Finance Ministers and Central bank governors met in Ottawa on the 8 and 9 February. They discussed the global economy; the importance of fostering development; and on-going efforts to combat the financing of terrorism.

Ministers and governors agreed that since they had last met, prospects had generally strengthened for resumed expansion in their economies, although risks remained. Ministers and governors agreed the need for more effective use of development assistance and a commitment to sound policies, good governance and the rule of law by all countries. They considered possible innovative ways to mobilize additional domestic and external resources, trade and external debt, and looked forward to continued discussions at the UN Financing for Development conference in Monterrey in March.

The full statement from the meeting, including an action plan on combating the financing of terrorism, is available in the Library.