§ Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development for what reasons she has decided not to grant debt relief under the Commonwealth Debt Initiative to Belize; when this decision was taken; for what reasons Belize has not met the criteria under the Commonwealth Debt Initiative; if she has scheduled further discussions between her Department and the Government of Belize on this issue; and if she will make a statement. [43472]
§ Hilary BennBelize was considered for CDI under the three basic CDI criteria—commitment to pro-poor policies, promotion of responsive and accountable government; and application of macro-economic policies to encourage sustainable development. Although some progress had been made in implementing commitments in relation to the first two criteria, on the third criterion my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development shared the concerns set out in the IMF Article IV report from April 2001, particularly in terms of significant increases in external commercial debt levels and the widening public sector deficit. Against this background she concluded that Belize had not fulfilled the CDI criteria. There is provision for a further review later this year.
§ Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will place in the Library a copy of the correspondence sent by her Department on 26 June 2001 to KPMG on its study commissioned by her Department of the regulation of offshore financial services in Belize and the effect of tax exemptions on pro-poor programmes; and if she will place in the Library a copy of the reply from KPMG. [43470]
§ Hilary BennThere was no correspondence. The exchange between DFID and KPMG referred to in my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development"s earlier answer took place on the telephone.
§ Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development on what dates since 3 August 2001 officials from her Department have held meetings with the Government of Belize to discuss the issue of Commonwealth Debt Initiative and the effect of tax exemptions and public investment companies on pro-poor programmes. [43471]
§ Hilary BennMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development met with Prime Minister Musa in October 2001 as referred to in her reply to question 29276. DFID officials also met with Prime Minister Musa and Minister Fonesca in November 2001. A range of issues, including CDI, were discussed on both occasions.