Written question asked by Vincent Cable (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 30 April 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 7 May 2003. It was answered by Clare Short (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 May 2003 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, If she will make a statement on debt relief for Iraq. (Failed OPQ).

Answer: Dr. Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on debt relief for Iraq. [111521] Clare Short: Iraq has a serious debt problem as well as considerable compensation claims. We support the IMF's efforts to assess Iraq's economic needs. We also welcome the recent announcement by the Paris Club that they stand ready to engage. As a first step, Paris Club creditors, including the UK, have agreed to carry out a comprehensive assessment of Iraq's debts. They will review debt sustainability further in the coming months.

Secondary information