HC Deb 19 February 1970 vol 796 cc562-4
2. Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what petitions she has received calling for the Government to allot 1 per cent. of gross national product to overseas aid by 1972, for an increase of aid through international agencies and for the negotiation of trade agreements on terms favourable to poorer countries; what action she proposes to take; and if she will make a statement.

12. Mr. Cronin

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what consideration she has given to the petition forwarded to her by the hon. Member for Loughborough from the people, Joint Council of Churches and University of Loughborough, requesting an increase in aid for underdeveloped countries.

16. Mr. Gardner

asked the Minister of Overseas Development how many communications she has received in connection with the Churches' Sign-In on World Poverty, submitted to Her Majesty's Government; and if she will make a statement.

25. Mr. Randall

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what is the number of petitions which have been forwarded to her in connection with the December Sign-In on world poverty; and what is the approximate overall number of signatures to the latest convenient date.

37. Mr. Prentice

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what action she proposes to take as a result of the representations made to her in connection with the December Sign-In on world poverty.

40. Mr. St. John-Stevas

asked the Minister of Overseas Development whether she will make a further statement on her consideration of the petitions she has received calling for the Government to allot one per cent. of gross national product to overseas aid by 1972, for an increase in aid through international agencies and for the negotiation of trade agreements favourable to poorer countries.

Mr. Whitaker

My right hon. Friend and I have so far received over half a million signatures from 253 hon. Members to all of whom either I or my right hon. Friend have replied. We very much welcome the churches' campaign although we have specific reservations on some details of it.

Mr. Jenkins

Will my hon. Friend add something to what he has said? Will he, for example, say whether the proposals which have been put forward are ones towards which he and his right hon. Friend are broadly sympathetic? Can he say whether the sort of pressure coming from constituencies, including Putney, is helpful to him and his right hon. Friend in pushing the claim for a full share of the country's gross national product?

Mr. Whitaker

It is extremely helpful for any political party in Government to be aware of the widespread concern expressed in this matter. I was very much impressed by the ecumenical unanimity of the Churches in this respect. We welcome the general support, although the specific targets are more optimistic than the Pearson Commission's target.

Mr. St. John-Stevas

As the hon. Gentleman knows, I have had an ecumenical reply on this subject from the Prime Minister. In view of the improved balance of payments brought about largely by British industry, will the hon. Gentleman step up his efforts to encourage voluntary contributions in aid and investment by British industry?

Mr. Whitaker

We are always very glad to do anything to help in this respect. I am very glad to hear that my constituent shares my views on this matter.

Mr. Crawshaw

Did the Minister receive many petition forms from Liverpool yesterday? Will my hon. Friend agree that one of the impressive things, apart from the number of forms, is the diversity of occupations which the forms show? Should not this increase determination that we as a wealthy nation should give greater support to those which are less fortunate?

Mr. Whitaker

I very much agree with what my hon. Friend has said. There has been most remarkable unanimity of social, political and religious strength of opinion in this campaign.

Mr. Braine

Will the hon. Gentleman be more forthcoming about the reservations he mentioned? Will he confirm that, despite the Government's recently announced figures, Britain will not reach the 1 per cent. gross national product target before 1975 and that the 0.7 per cent. proportion of that for official aid will not be reached before 1980?

Mr. Whitaker

My right hon. Friend explained the Government's programme for the foreseeable two or three years on 27th November last. The House will be aware that the demand in the Sign-In by 1972 goes well beyond the Pearson Commission's target.