HC Deb 30 June 1969 vol 786 cc7-8
12. Mr. Hooley

asked the Minister of Overseas Development when it is proposed to initiate discussions on the next Replenishment of the International Development Association.

Mr. Prentice

I appreciate my hon. Friend's desire to make progress in this matter. But the Second Replenishment of I.D.A. resources is not yet operative, and until it is it would be premature to undertake discussions on a Third Replenishment.

Mr. Hooley

But would my right hon. Friend not agree that what he has just said constitutes the strongest reason for beginning discussions at an earlier date? Is he not aware of the fact that a very long period indeed elapsed before getting the Second Replenishment going? Does he not think that that strengthens the case, therefore, for making an early start with the discussions on the third?

Mr. Prentice

I agree that it has taken a long time to get the Second Replenishment going but my hon. Friend will be aware of the reasons for that. The United States Congress has now passed the I.D.A. Bill and, therefore, I would expect that the United States will soon be in a position to notify the World Bank of their acceptance so that the Second Replenishment can take effect. I would think it would not be very long before discussions started on the Third Replenishment.

Mr. Braine

I wonder if the right hon. Gentleman could add to that and tell the House whether there are any other members who have not yet ratified their own contributions to the Replenishment? Or does what he has just said about the American action mean that the last obstacle to enabling the Association to put its plans into effect is now removed?

Mr. Prentice

There has been a small number of other countries which have not ratified. I think that in most cases they were waiting to see whether the United States would do so. However, I think the main point here is that once the United States have done so the necessary ratio of resources has been committed and the Second Replenishment can go ahead.