§ 25. Mr. Ridsdaleasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the average amount of net Government expenditure overseas over the last five years; and what was the amount of net Government expenditure overseas for 1968.
§ Mr. DiamondMost imports and exports on Government account are not separately distinguished from private sector transactions. Apart from these the average annual net overseas expenditure by the Government during the five years 1963–67 was £692 million. For 1968 the full figures will not be available until next September's Pink Book but most will be published next week.
§ Mr. RidsdaleHow much of this was for economic grants-in-aid, and would it not be better to finance these from loans from the World Bank as a direct charge to the balance of payments?
§ Mr. DiamondI will consider what the hon. Gentleman has said.
§ Mr. John LeeHow much of this goes to countries which can afford to finance themselves?
§ Mr. DiamondI have not those figures available.