§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with the European Commission on the Westlands-St. Austin Road Project in Kenya; and if she will make a statement. [92219]
§ Clare ShortNone. The construction of the road referred to took place from 1990 to 1993. Officials from the then Overseas Development Administration were aware of various complaints from people living in communities (not between Westlands and St. Austin, but further north on the same road) and discussed these with European Commission officials. The EC Ombudsman subsequently investigated and concluded that there had been no mal-administration on the part of the EC.
§ Mr. ColmanTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the timetable is for reviewing UK bilateral aid to Kenya. [93405]
§ Clare ShortI visited Kenya last week and had discussions with Kenyan Ministers on how Britain could best help the new Government deliver quickly on 577W its election promises to stamp out corruption, revive the economy and improve public services. We are already reviewing our bilateral programme to ensure that we respond effectively and flexibly to the needs of the new Government. I am also pressing the international financial institutions and the European Commission to help the new Government fill the large hole in the public finances which they have inherited.