HL Deb 24 February 2004 vol 658 cc39-40WA
Lord Avebury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action they will take to facilitate the design of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank projects to help to fight corruption in the Democratic Republic of Congo as desired by the president of that country. [HL1247]

Baroness Amos

We work closely with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, both through our participation on the boards and at working level, to ensure that their programmes are based on strong systems of accountability.

We are also providing technical assistance, as part of our support to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, and in partnership with the World Bank on the strengthening of the institutional and legal frameworks for tackling corruption in the DRC.

We supported the first World Bank economic recovery credit to DRC, which was earmarked for private sector development and improvement of the business climate through stronger institutions, simplification of procedures and clarification of ownership rights, all of which help to fight corruption.