HC Deb 11 November 2003 vol 413 cc189-90W
Mr. Rosindell

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps the Government are taking to combat poverty in Angola. [136767]

Hilary Benn

Following the 2002 cease-fire between the Government and UNITA, which ended the civil war, there is now opportunity for Angola to achieve sustainable peace and democracy, economic growth and poverty reduction. This is why we have increased DFID's post-conflict Country Programme for Angola from £4.7 million in 2001–02 to £9 million this year to help achieve these objectives.

We are working closely with other international donors to consolidate the peace in Angola and prevent future conflicts; help secure a political system which allows people to influence state policy and practice; and working to influence a basic change in the Government of Angola's approach in the areas of transparency, economic governance and the development of policies to tackle poverty.

In the short term, we will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to meet the immediate needs of destitute people and to contribute towards de-mining to facilitate resettlement and economic and social recovery. We will continue to provide assistance in these areas for as long as this is needed.