8. To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions he has had with EU colleagues on ways of strengthening civil society in the countries of the Maghreb. (182977)

I have not had direct discussions with EU counterparts about strengthening Maghreb civil society. I am aware of my hon. Friend's considerable and active interest in the region. DFID supports the Maghreb countries through significant multilateral contributions: support to Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco amounted to over £40 million in 2005. Working closely with the FCO, we encourage the European Commission to engage civil society in its policies and programmes.