To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to his written statement of 2 March 2006, Official Report, column 29WS, on Innovative Financing for Development, how the money committed by the UK for HIV/AIDS over the next three years is planned to be spent. (75147)

The UK Government will increase funding for AIDS related work in the developing world and spend at least £1.5 billion from 2005-06 to 2007-08.

These resources will: (i) fund action that prioritises women, young people and vulnerable groups, and focuses on human rights; (ii) ensure that the UK spends at least £150 million on programmes to meet the needs of orphans and other children, particularly those in Africa, made vulnerable by HIV and AIDS; (iii) double UK funding for the Global Fund over the next three years; (iv) provide £36 million to UNAIDS over the next four years to support its global leadership; and (v) provide £80 million to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) over the next four years to support its HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health work with women.

The “Taking Action Strategy” (which can be found at the following address: www.dfid.gov.uk/Pubs/files/hivaidstakingaction.pdf) outlines the UK’s approach to tackling HIV and AIDS in the developing world over this three-year period.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the written statement of 2 March 2006, Official Report, column 29WS, on Innovative Financing for Development, what financial contribution the UK will make to the Drug Purchase Facility; and when such financial support will begin. (75166)

The UK recognises the importance of long-term predictable finance on a significant scale to meet the challenge of the purchase of drugs for tackling HIV/AIDS and other diseases. As agreed at the Paris conference in March, the UK supports the International Drug Purchase Facility (IDPF) and is working with international partners on the details of the initiative.

As the detailed technical structure of the IDPF is still under discussion, it is not yet possible for the UK to determine the size or timing of a contribution. However, the UK is fully committed to working closely with international partners in the coming months to develop a strong initiative that works effectively and complementarily with existing organisations and institutions in the global health field.