HC Deb 08 February 1966 vol 724 cc186-8
17. Mr. Fisher

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what was the total of overseas aid given by Great Britain in 1965; and what proportion of this went to Commonwealth countries.

23. Mr. J. H. Osborn

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what was the total overseas aid given by Great Britain in 1965; how much of this was private investment and how much Government aid; if he will express each as a percentage of gross national income; how this compares with the previous two years; and what are his financial targets, within the National Plan, for the current year.

Mr. Greenwood

The figures for private investment and for gross national product in 1965 are not yet available. British Government disbursements of economic aid were provisionally £189 million in 1965, compared with £160 million in 1963 and £191.6 million in 1964. In the latter years the percentages of gross national product were 0.59 and 0.66 respectively. About £147 million of the 1965 total went to the Commonwealth. The Government's target for gross official aid in 1966–67 is £225 million.

Mr. Fisher

I appreciate that this aid is continuing to run at a very satisfactory level, but would the Minister care to acknowledge that this is directly due to the arrangements made by the previous Government? Indeed, his predecessor said as much last summer.

Mr. Greenwood

Of course, the figure which I have just announced for 1965 was slightly lower than in 1964 and it reflects the decisions taken by right hon. Gentlemen opposite in their last year of office.

Mr. Baxter

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, although we do not want to boast of the amount of aid which we are giving to Commonwealth and underdeveloped countries, he should try to make universally known the amount of work and aid which we give to these places? Having just come back from a Commonwealth conference, I am of the opinion that many people do not know the amount of aid which we give.

Mr. Greenwood

I appreciate what my hon. Friend says, but I am certain that the aid we give is appreciated by the countries which receive it.

Mr. Osborn

When does the right hon. Gentleman think that we will meet the U.N.C.T.A.D. target of 1 per cent., which was mentioned in his party's election manifesto some time ago?

Mr. Greenwood

A number of figures are not available. When they are, I shall be in a better position to judge.

22. Mr. J. H. Osborn

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what discussions he has now had about a special tax for overseas aid; and to what extent such a tax is now official Government policy.

Mr. Greenwood

None, Sir. Such a tax would not be in accordance with Government policy.

Mr. Osborn

In a broadcast recently, the Minister undertook to look at this and to have discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Does he not agree that it would be valuable to relate total aid to a tax which the man in the street understands, particularly Income Tax?

Mr. Greenwood

I think that the hon. Member has in mind the television programme in which he played a most notable part. I was asked, during the programme, whether I would favour a special tax for overseas aid. I replied that, traditionally, we did not earmark taxes for specific purposes and I turned away the question with what I hope was a disarming smile by saying that I should have to consult the Chancellor of the Exchequer.