§ 14. Mr. CameronTo ask the Secretary of State, Department for International Development, what representations he has received regarding water and sanitation in the developing world. [164514]
§ Hilary BennAs Secretary of State for International Development, I receive regular representations regarding water and sanitation in the developing world. I also correspond with other donors, international organisations and individuals involved in water on a regular basis.
The bulk of the letters were the result of campaigns launched by non-governmental organisations, namely:
WaterAid's "Flush out Poverty" campaign;Tear Fund's "Whose Earth" campaign;World Development Movement's "Pull the plug on it" campaign.The first two campaigns were aimed at ensuring that the UK government lives up to commitments made at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development. Correspondents called on the UK government to give greater priority to water and sanitation, and to increase the amount of aid spent on sustainable improvements to water and sanitation for the world's poorest people.
The third campaign asked for the water sector not to be included in the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) negotiations. Other correspondents have also expressed concern at the role of the private sector.
In addition to corresponding with interested parties, I and my officials meet with groups, including Trade Unions such as UNISON, that have a particular interest in water.