HC Deb 20 October 1969 vol 788 c731
5. Mr. Biffen

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what is the extent of the aggregate private investment, bilateral portfolio investment, multilateral portfolio investment and export credit contribution to the aid figure of $845 million for the United Kingdom during 1968 and tabulated in her Department's Aid for Development fact sheet in July. 1969.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Overseas Development (Mr. Ben Whitaker)

$326 million is the latest estimate, bringing the total down to $754 million.

Mr. Biffen

Do not these figures show quite clearly that free enterprise can play a major rôle in advancing the capital requirements of developing countries? In those circumstances, is it not highly regrettable that Governments such as those of India and Zambia show such hostility to United Kingdom private investments?

Mr. Whitaker

The Government have always encouraged private investment as being complementary to the official aid programme, and that will continue to be our policy.