§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what measures his Department 281W is taking to ensure transparency and accountability of (a) European Union and (b) other international funding to the Palestinian Authority. [185093]
§ Hilary BennSubstantial progress has been made since 2002 in improving the transparency and accountability of the Palestinian Authority's (PA) financial management systems. This has largely been driven by the Palestinian Finance Minister with donor encouragement.
DFID supported a World Bank Country Financial Accountability Assessment which endorsed the major improvements made. It also identified key actions needed to further improve the systems. The recently established World Bank Public Financial Management Reform Trust Fund will also encourage further financial reform.
Disbursement of funding is conditional on the PA's achievement of certain agreed benchmarks. DFID has contributed, and the EC plans to contribute, to the trust fund. The World Bank and donors will carefully monitor the use of donor funds. This benchmark approach was also successfully used by the EC in its earlier budget support to the PA. Allegations about the misuse of these funds have been looked at in great detail, but no evidence has been found that EC funds have been used for anything other than their original purpose.
§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department is taking to monitor the extent of poverty in the Palestinian Territories. [185092]
§ Hilary BennPoverty in the Palestinian Territory has increased dramatically since the intifada started in September 2000. According to the latest World Bank report approximately 50 per cent. of Palestinians are living in poverty on less than $2.1 per day. 16 per cent. of the total population currently live in deep or absolute poverty on less than $1.5 per day. DFID monitors the situation closely through our engagement with, and support to, Palestinian partners and like-minded donors who seek to analyse and find ways of addressing the deepening crisis.
§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what aid his Department has given to the Palestinian Territories. [185094]
§ Hilary BennDFID provides technical and financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees, and Palestinian civil society. It aims to enhance the prospects for peace, make Palestinian governance and institutions more effective and accountable, and encourage more harmonised delivery of humanitarian and development assistance. DFID plans to spend £28.5 million on support to Palestinians in the current financial year.