HC Deb 16 March 1967 vol 743 cc687-8
7. Mr. Francis Noel-Baker

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government with regard to the replenishment of the funds of the International Development Association.

Mr. Oram

As my right hon. Friend said in reply to a Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Hornchurch (Mr. Alan Lee Williams) on 25th January, Her Majesty's Government take the view that the funds of I.D.A. should be substantially replenished. Negotiations between the World Bank and the contributors on the size of contributions have yet to take place.—[Vol. 739, c. 313.]

Mr. Noel-Baker

Does my hon. Friend agree that this is one of the aspects of aid which the United Kingdom has done remarkably well in the past? Can he say when he will be in a position to make a more definite statement?

Mr. Oram

I cannot give a timetable, but I can assure the House that our con- tributions to I.D.A. help our export promotion.

Sir G. Sinclair

Does the hon. Gentleman realise how much depends on Britain's lead in contributions to I.D.A.? Does he realise that contributions from other countries will depend on our lead both in our short-term and long-term guarantees for I.D.A.?

Mr. Oram

We are not the major contributor—the United States is that. But we are an important contributor, and therefore our attitude is important in the reaching of a general international understanding on how I.D.A.'s funds should be replenished.