Written question asked by John Bercow (Conservative) on Thursday, 15 January 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 27 January 2004. It was answered by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Tuesday, 27 January 2004 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if his Department will (a) arrange and (b) fund a delegation of senior former Members of Parliament to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to advise on democracy building.

Answer: Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if his Department will (a) arrange and (b) fund a delegation of senior former Members of Parliament to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to advise on democracy building. [149192] Hilary Benn: We are in discussion with Members of the Congolese Parliament, groups outside Parliament and the Westminster Foundation here, about the best ways in which the UK can support the strengthening of democracy during the transition in the DRC. For example, we are just beginning an important project with the Electoral Institute of Southern Africa to help develop frameworks for political party development and the democratic functioning of the Parliament. We are also currently considering support to the constitutional process, and possible visits by Congolese politicians to other countries to focus on particular issues of interest. We will keep in view whether a visit by senior former Members of Parliament would be a priority activity for democratic development in the DRC during the short transitional period.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 417 c281W; 149192
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Democracy Politics and government Democratic Republic of the Congo
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk