§ 7. Mr. Higginsasked the Minister of Overseas Development whether negotiations between the World Bank and contributors to the International Development Association have yet taken place as regards the replenishment of the funds of the International Development Association; and if he will make a statement.
§ 25. Mr. Maclennanasked the Minister of Overseas Development if he is satisfied with the progress of negotiations on the replenishment of funds for the International Development Association; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BottomleyNo clear basis on which it might be possible to reach agreement has yet emerged. Her Majesty's Government are anxious to reach a settlement quickly because the 721 need of developing countries for further commitments of I.D.A. funds is very great.
§ Mr. HigginsDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree that, as I.D.A. loans are untied, the United Kingdom wins about 30s. worth of export orders for every 20s. contributed? In view of that, will he resist any tendency on the part of the Chancellor to cut aid plans and, more than that, press for an expansion of contributions to the I.D.A.?
§ Mr. BottomleyWe are agreed that there is a need to replenish the funds of the I.D.A., and I hope, of course, that it will be at a greater amount than at present.
§ Mr. MaclennanWill my right hon. Friend resist any pressures which may be put on the Government to tie the funds?
§ Mr. BottomleyYes, Sir; I think that it would be much better to have these funds untied.
§ Mr. WoodWhat does the right hon. Gentleman mean by "quickly"? He said last winter that the funds should be substantially replenished. We are now past Midsummer Day. When shall we have a decision on it?
§ Mr. BottomleyThere are many other parties concerned in the question of replenishment of funds. From the point of view of the British Government, we hope that it will be brought about as speedily as possible.