AID TO FINANCE DEVELOPMENT AND MEET THE 2015 TARGETS

Early day motion 948, tabled 6 March 2002 by Hilton Dawson (Labour). Signed by 73 members.

That this House welcomes the cancellation of $56 billion of debt owed by 24 heavily indebted poor countries; celebrates the opportunity that this has created for investment in development and primary education in countries such as Uganda, Tanzania and Mozambique; recognises that one per cent. gross domestic product in aid can increase growth by 0.6 per cent.; urges all participants in the forthcoming 'Financing for Development' Conference to rise to the challenge to provide $50 billion extra per annum to meet the 2015 targets of halving world poverty, cutting child mortality by two thirds and ensuring that every child has five years of primary education; and calls on the Government to consolidate its position at the forefront of such initiatives by making a substantial increase in its aid commitment.

Signatures by party: Labour 51, Liberal Democrat 11, Labour/Co-operative 6, Conservative 2, UUP 2, Plaid Cymru 1.