Written question asked by Jim Cunningham (Labour) on Monday, 30 January 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 February 2006. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Monday, 6 February 2006 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Iraq

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the incidence of corruption with reconstruction projects in Iraq.

Answer: There have been several comprehensive assessments of financial management of the Iraqi reconstruction effort, the most prominent of which is the series of reports published by the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction. Given concerns about levels of corruption in Iraq generally, the Government does not fund Iraqi institutions directly. All UK reconstruction programmes are monitored continuously, and where we have had any financial or management concerns we have taken action to address them.The UK is committed to working with the Iraqi Government, alongside the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and other donors, to improve accountability and transparency in Iraq's public finances. Iraq is making progress in developing its anti-corruption institutions. These now include a Board of Supreme Audit, Inspector Generals resident in each Ministry and a Commission for Public Integrity, which can refer cases to the Central Criminal Court of Iraq. In addition, our efforts include encouraging Iraq to adopt international legal frameworks and standards in natural resource management, including the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 47856; 442 c773W;442 c773W
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Armed conflict Corruption Iraq Peacekeeping operations Reconstruction
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk