Written question asked by Peter L Pike (Labour) on Wednesday, 30 April 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 8 May 2003. It was answered by Clare Short (Labour) on Thursday, 8 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 the Government will make meeting the millennium development goals on universal primary education and gender parity in access to primary education a priority at the G8 summit; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Pike: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if the Government will make meeting the millennium development goals on universal primary education and gender parity in access to primary education a priority at the G8 summit; and if she will make a statement. [111561] Clare Short: We continue to work with the G8 and other governments to achieve the Millennium Development Goals for universal primary education by 2015 and gender parity by 2005. We are working to increase the effectiveness of bilateral resources by improving international co-ordination in support of high quality country-owned strategies, as set out for low-income countries in Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs) and linked to national budget processes. The Fast Track Initiative, which includes all members of the G8 (except Russia), offers the potential to increase dialogue and improve donor harmonisation in the education sector. My Department will continue to work to make the initiative more effective.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 111561; 404 c820-1W;404 c817-8W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Developing countries Equality Education Gender G8 Primary education
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk