§ 4. Mr. Eadieasked the Minister of Overseas Development how many representations from organised bodies in Scotland have been received this year about expenditure on overseas development.
§ The Minister of Overseas Development (Mr. Reg Prentice)I have received 25 letters this year from organisations in Scotland asking for an increase in the overseas aid programme. A very large number of similar letters has been received by other Ministers, especially my right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
§ Mr. EadieIn thanking my right hon. Friend for that Answer, may I ask whether he is not aware—as, no doubt, he must be—contrary to views expressed in some quarters in the country, that there is enthusiasm for more overseas aid to be given and that, as he has stated to the House, young people and church leaders are writing to ask us to try to influence the giving of more aid?
§ Mr. PrenticeYes, there is a good deal of evidence that in the last year or so there has been a considerable increase in the number of people actively concerned in this matter, especially 4 young people, who want us to make a larger contribution towards fighting poverty throughout the world.