Written question asked by Andrew Mackinlay (Labour) on Thursday, 1 December 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 5 December 2005. It was answered by Gareth Thomas (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 December 2005 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Broadcasting (Illegal Jamming)

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether any aid and development provided by (a) the UK and (b) the European Union to Libya is (i) dependent and (ii) conditional on broadcasting access to the country unimpeded by official agencies in accordance with the UN's International Telecommunications Union Agency's agreements and treaty provisions; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: None of the UK's or EC's development assistance to Libya is dependent or conditional on unimpeded broadcasting access to the country.The UK provides funding to Libya under the Global Opportunities Fund and the Global Conflict Prevention Pool. Under the Global Opportunities Fund in 2005–06, the UK is providing £200,000 to fund projects related to the rule of law and good governance. Under the Global Conflict Prevention Pool, in the same period, £285,000 will fund projects aimed at building mutual confidence between the UK and Libya. This includes educational exchanges, the training of Libyan officers in the UK and closer military liaison.The EC does not have a direct bilateral programme with Libya. However, it will provide €1 million for an HIV/AIDS package over the next year.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 440 c1882W;440 c1882W; 34917
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Development aid Bilateral aid Freedom of expression Satellite broadcasting Libya
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk