Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Mitchell and Claire Perry

Wednesday 13th October 2010 Commons Chamber

[Claire Perry (Devizes) (Con)]

8. What assessment he made of the outcomes of the recent UN millennium development goals summit in New York.

[The Secretary of State for International Development (Mr Andrew Mitchell)]

The summit in New York achieved real progress and resulted in global commitments to save 16 million women and children, reverse the spread of malaria and tackle hunger and under-nutrition. The UK’s leadership, and in particular the Government’s commitments on aid and results, was noted by all our international partners.

[Claire Perry]

My right hon. Friend mentioned malaria. I am sure he is aware that today 4,000 people in the world will die from that disease, 75% of them under the age of five. Can he please assure the House that he is putting malaria prevention and treatment at the heart of his Department’s programmes?

[Mr Mitchell]

The fight against malaria will be included in every bilateral programme where it is relevant as a part of the bilateral aid review, but I can tell my hon. Friend—[Interruption.] My comments on the fight against malaria do not usually get such a warm reaction from the House. Britain is committed to halving the number of malaria deaths in 10 African countries by 2015.