HC Deb 18 July 1968 vol 768 cc1641-2
8. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Minister for Overseas Development if he will make a statement about the future of British aid to developing nations through multilateral agencies; and the percentage of British aid to be made available in this way.

Mr. Prentice

As I said in this House on the 7th May, I believe that, over the years, there should be a shift from bilateral aid towards multilateral aid. Last year 11 per cent. of the aid programme went to multilateral organisations; in the current year, I expect the figure to be about 15 per cent. provided the replenishment of the International Development Association goes through as planned.— [Vol. 764, c. 289–90.]

Mr. Allaun

Should not a still higher proportion be taken multilaterally as in Scandinavia, where it is about 50 per cent.? If this were done, would it not avoid, or help to avoid, the kind of unhappy situation we have in Tanzania today?

Mr. Prentice

In the long run, I think more should be done multilaterally, but we have a large number of commitments and expectations in the field of bilateral aid and those should not be discontinued. Any change should be gradual.

Mr. Wingfield Digby

Is there any doubt at all that multilateral aid is appreciated as well as direct aid?

Mr. Prentice

From my own experience of meeting people from developing countries and travelling in them, I think aid in both forms is appreciated and very effectively used.