To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much UK aid was given to the Democratic Republic of Congo in each of the last six years; and if he will make a statement. (125176)

Since 2000, DFID bilateral aid to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been as follows:

We expect to spend £67 million this year through our bilateral programme. We are increasing our support because the DRC has 60 million people, almost all of whom are poor. In addition, progress in this vast country is essential for stability and poverty reduction in the whole of central Africa. Following successful elections, there is a real opportunity to sustain peace in DRC, although the new Government face enormous challenges. Our priority is to help them face these challenges and bring real improvements to the lives of poor people in DRC.