11. To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the potential role for the formation of a community of South American nations in the economic development of the poorest countries of that continent. (110699)

The formation of a community of South American nations is still at an early stage. We support moves towards regional integration on the basis that it provides important opportunities for economic development, including for poorer nations. The exact path to regional integration, including how the Community of South American Nations will evolve, is a matter for South Americans themselves to determine.