Committee announces inquiry into the World Bank

The International Development Committee is to conduct an inquiry into the effectiveness, priorities and funding requirements for the World Bank and the implications for DFID’s contribution to it. The inquiry is especially timely in the context of the UK’s announced review of its multilateral aid programmes. The Committee will visit the World Bank in November.

Invitation to submit Written Evidence

The Committee invites short written submissions from interested organisations and individuals, especially those from developing countries, or those who have had direct dealings with the World Bank Group.

Key issues for the inquiry include:

• effectiveness of the World Bank Group, including the International Finance Corporation;
• the sixteenth replenishment of the International Development Association, which will set the IDA’s priorities for the future;
• the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings, which are expected to cover possible reforms of the institutions and their new priorities;
• the way the World Bank involves parliamentarians and others in developing countries.

The deadline for submitting written evidence is Monday 18 October. Individuals and organisations interested in giving written evidence may find the detailed guidance for evidence to House of Commons Select Committees particularly useful.