Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Monday, 3 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 11 November 2003. It was answered by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Tuesday, 11 November 2003 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps the Government is taking to combat poverty in Angola. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps the Government are taking to combat poverty in Angola. [136767] Hilary Benn: Following the 2002 cease-fire between the Government and UNITA, which ended the civil war, there is now opportunity for Angola to achieve sustainable peace and democracy, economic growth and poverty reduction. This is why we have increased DFID's post-conflict Country Programme for Angola from £4.7 million in 2001-02 to £9 million this year to help achieve these objectives. We are working closely with other international donors to consolidate the peace in Angola and prevent future conflicts; help secure a political system which allows people to influence state policy and practice; and working to influence a basic change in the Government of Angola's approach in the areas of transparency, economic governance and the development of policies to tackle poverty. In the short term, we will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to meet the immediate needs of destitute people and to contribute towards de-mining to facilitate resettlement and economic and social recovery. We will continue to provide assistance in these areas for as long as this is needed.

Secondary information