HC Deb 27 July 1971 vol 822 c189
5. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he last had consultations with representatives of the World Bank; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Barber

I met Mr. McNamara, the President, when he came to London in April, and we discussed some of the problems facing the World Bank.

Mr. Dalyell

Does not the job of being President of the World Bank involve the exercise of moral authority without vindictiveness in as adult a manner as possible? In the light of the Pentagon papers, will the British Government, with other countries, raise the question whether Mr. McNamara is the best person to continue in this job?

Mr. Barber

No, Sir. If the hon. Gentleman had had the advantage which I had of discussing the affairs of the World Bank with the developing countries, and if he had been present at the meeting of the World Bank which Mr. McNamara addressed, he would take a very different view. Mr. McNamara has a very distinguished and successful record as President of the World Bank. Loan commitments have approximately doubled since he took over and the resources of the International Development Association have trebled. Taking all these matters into account, I think that most developing countries would agree with me when I say that Mr. McNamara is proving to be an excellent President of the World Bank.