§ 24. Mr. SavidgeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of World Bank proposals to fast-track support for primary education in certain poor countries. [69896]
§ Clare ShortThe Government are strongly committed to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on education and is working to mobilise the international community in support of them. The World bank has a critical role in supporting countries as they seek to give priority to education, and primary education in particular, within the overall context of their poverty reduction1130W strategies. We have been working with the Bank to develop its new Action Plan for accelerating progress towards Education for All.
We believe the World bank Action Plan's fast-track initiative provides an opportunity to try to ensure that no country genuinely committed to economic development, poverty reduction and good governance is denied the chance to achieve universal primary education through lack of resources. The Government were successful in calling for the fast-track initiative to include Nigeria and Ethiopia, where over 14 million children are out of school. It offers 18 poor countries the chance to qualify for additional financing for primary education if they can demonstrate that their Government is fully committed and has effective policies in place. A further five countries can apply for assistance in building capacity, filling gaps in data and developing effective policies for primary education.
The Government are committed to further increasing our support for basic education, particularly in Africa. We will continue to support the Fast Track proposals and participate in on-going discussions with the World bank about implementation arrangements.
§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development when she expects the additional resources committed for good quality primary education to the group of 18 countries selected to receive immediate financing to be provided. [72767]
§ Clare ShortI refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Banbury (Tony Baldry) on 17 July 2002,Official Report, column 291W.