Written question asked by Bob Spink (Conservative) on Thursday, 25 March 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 31 March 2004. It was answered by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Wednesday, 31 March 2004 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what recent discussions he had in Iraq on support for ethnic groups. (Failed OPQ). - Inc figure.

Answer: Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions he had in Iraq on support for ethnic groups. [164507] Hilary Benn: In Baghdad and Basra last week I held discussions on a wide range of issues including those affecting ethnic and religious groups. DFID is not providing assistance in support of any specific groups. DFID aims to promote social and political cohesion by increasing the participation of all Iraqis in the democratic process. DFID recently agreed to establish a £5 million political participation fund to assist towards meeting this objective.

Secondary information