Written question asked by Harry Barnes (Labour) on Thursday, 1 April 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 April 2004. It was answered by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Monday, 19 April 2004 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assistance has been given to trade union bodies in Iraq; what programmes such assistance was given under; and whether those programmes are still open for further assistance.

Answer: Mr. Barnes: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance has been given to trade union bodies in Iraq; what programmes such assistance was given under; and whether those programmes are still open for further assistance. [166137] Hilary Benn: DFID has not yet provided any funding for trade unions in Iraq. Trade unions under Saddam Hussein were part of the Ba'ath Party machinery and had very little independence. Effectively they no longer exist. It will take time to establish more appropriate structures for industrial relations in Iraq. DFID is committed to supporting the emergence of a vibrant civil society in Iraq, including through trade union organisations as they begin to emerge. DFID is putting in place, programmes for providing support to civil society groups. Proposals from nascent trade union groups will be eligible to be considered for funding.

Secondary information