HC Deb 22 July 2002 vol 389 cc716-7W
John Barrett

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the impact the use of child labour in the diamond trade of the Central African Republic is having on efforts to educate children in the country; and if she will make a statement. [70871]

Clare short

None. The Central African Republic is not a country with which we have a close relationship. Our development assistance is provided through multilateral channels.

John Barrett

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action she is taking to bring good governance to the Central African Republic. [70870]

Clare short

DFID has no programme in the Central African Republic and contributes through multilateral channels. The European Commission's ninth EDF programme sees institutional capacity building and the promotion of good governance as a priority area.

John Barrett

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking to ensure that HIV/AIDS detection facilities are available in the Central African Republic. [70880]

Clare short

Our assistance to the Central African Republic (CAR) is provided through multilateral channels. We provide support to UNAIDS and the World Health Organisation who are currently assisting the CAR improve HIV/AIDS surveillance and detection facilities through the implementation of their national AIDS strategy. The EC programme in CAR, to which we contribute, includes work on HIV health education.