§ 12. Mr. KhabraTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what measures he is taking to encourage transparency and accountability in international funding to the Palestinian Authority. [164512]
§ Hilary BennSubstantial progress has been made since 2002 in improving the Palestinian Authority's financial management, oversight of public spending and accountability. This has largely been driven by the Palestinian Finance Minister with donor encouragement but without much direct donor assistance. DFID has helped the World Bank carry out a thorough Country Financial Accountability Assessment, which has set out an agenda for further improvements in these areas. The continuing need for donors to support the Palestinian Authority budget directly will ensure that these areas remain under close scrutiny.