HC Deb 19 November 1968 vol 773 cc1090-1
10. Mr. Peter M. Jackson

asked the Minister of Overseas Development if he will make a statement on the financial provision to the International Development Authority; and whether Great Britain has fulfilled its financial obligation to the International Development Authority in the current financial year.

Mr. Prentice

Authority for making the British contribution is contained in the Overseas Aid Act, 1968. Until the Agreement for the replenishment of the resources of the International Development Association comes into effect no British contribution is due under these arrangements. The British Government are however prepared to look sympathetically at proposals by the President of the World Bank for keeping I.D.A. in funds pending the replenishment becoming effective.

Mr. Jackson

May I press my right hon. Friend further? Would he be prepared to consider making additional contributions in the event of any of the 18 contributing nations being in default of their payments to I.D.A.?

Mr. Prentice

I do not think that question arises. Eight contributors besides the United Kingdom have ratified the Agreement. The United States retiring Congress did not ratify it, but I hope that legislation will be passed by the new United States Congress early next year. Meanwhile, the problem is that of seeing whether there may be some temporary steps to keep I.D.A. in funds in the intervening months, and this is under consideration.

Mr. Carter-Jones

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the importance of informing contributor nations of the importance of the continuation of payments, or otherwise important projects for overseas aid will frequently be in jeopardy? Other countries should be made well aware of this fact.

Mr. Prentice

This is probably the most important single question on the agenda of aid donors throughout the world and I earnestly hope that there will be progress on this matter in the very near future.