HC Deb 10 May 2004 vol 421 cc65-6W
Helen Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions he has had on improving access to primary education; and if he will make a statement. [171016]

Hilary Benn

Discussion with international agencies, partner governments and civil society on improving access to primary education is a continuing priority. Recent examples include strengthening the Fast Track Initiative led by the World Bank; improving girl's education in collaboration with UNICEF in support of the 2005 gender equity MDG target; participating in the Global Campaign for Education for All (GCE), led by British NGOs, in which 460 MPs, and children's representatives took part; and providing education guidance for the Africa Commission.

Both the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and I have also recently taken part in Parliamentary discussions—a Children's Parliament at Central Hall and an MPs' meeting, respectively— as part of the GCE Week of Action in April to discuss the importance of education for all children.

Progress has been made in many countries with global enrolment in primary education increasing from 596 million in 1990 to 648 million children in 2000. However, with over 100 million still out of school, much still remains to be done.

Helen Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress has been made in providing primary education for girls in developing countries; and if he will make a statement. [164510]

Mr. Gareth Thomas

Please accept my apologies for a slight error contained in the previous reply published on 31 March 2004,Official Report, column 1429W.

Pursuant to that reply, the EFA Global Monitoring Report 200304 shows that the net enrolment ratio (NER) for girls' primary enrolment in developing countries has increased from 73.5 per cent. in 1990, to 78.9 per cent. in 2000. The ratio between girls and boys' enrolment rates, has also improved from 0.86 in 1990 to 0.93 in 2000 for primary education.

However, much still remains to be done. DFID is planning to increase its investment in primary education to £1 billion over the next four years.