Written question asked by Jeremy Corbyn (Labour) on Monday, 24 November 1997, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 1 December 1997. It was answered by Clare Short (Labour) on Monday, 1 December 1997 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what is the total level of aid paid to the Congo in the current financial year (a) directly and (b) via other agencies; what amount is planned for 1998-99. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is the total level of aid paid to the Congo in the current financial year (a) directly and (b) via other agencies; what amount is planned for 1998-99; and if she will make a statement. [18072] Clare Short: All donors suspended development assistance to the Government of Zaire in 1992. Since then, substantial amounts of emergency and rehabilitation assistance have been provided. This year the UK has provided almost £1 million in bilateral emergency assistance to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In addition, our contribution to the EU programmes in health and democratisation is estimated at £9.6 million. We shall continue to provide emergency assistance in 1998-99 if it is needed. Future development assistance will depend on the strength of the development partnership which can be established with the new Government; its commitment to poverty alleviation; and our capacity to deliver an effective programme.

Secondary information