§ 4. Mr. Luardasked the Minister of Overseas Development what proportion of the British aid programme in the current financial year will be given through multilateral organisation; and what was the comparable figure for last year.
§ Mr. OramA precise answer cannot be given until the year's accounts are completed. The figure for 1965–66 was 9.3 per cent.
§ Mr. LuardHave my hon. Friend and my right hon. Friend noted the substantial increase in the United States aid programme that will in future be channelled through multilateral organisations of one kind or another, which I believe is an increase in the proportion to about 60 or 70 per cent.? Can he give an assurance that Her Majesty's Government will follow suit?
§ Mr. OramI am not sure that my hon. Friend has his facts right about the United States programme. I have seen a report this morning about their ideas on replenishment of I.D.A., but I rather think that his figure of 60 per cent. is rather greater than is the case.