HC Deb 16 February 1976 vol 905 cc932-4
43. Mr. Canavan

asked the Minister for Overseas Development whether any further reduction is planned in the Government's spending on overseas aid.

Mr. Prentice

The White Paper on Public Expenditure to 1979–80 will be published later this week and I cannot anticipate the information in it.

Mr. Canavan

As our economic difficulties, although severe, are as nothing compared with the difficulties being faced by the poorest countries in the world, will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that he will resist any further attempts by the Treasury to reduce his already inadequate budget for overseas aid spending? Will my right hon. Friend indicate when he expects to reach the United Nations target figure of 0.7 per cent. of our GNP?

Mr. Prentice

I agree with the general sentiments expressed by my hon. Friend. I cannot anticipate the figures which will become public later this week. We have accepted the UN target, but we have said that the date on which we reach it must depend on our economic recovery. I am sure that I can rely on hon. Members on both sides of the House to explain to the wider public the need for maintaining the aid programme and expanding it in the years ahead, both on moral grounds and on grounds of long-term self-interest.

Mr. Grylls

Does the right hon. Gentleman recognise that in the light of the dramas taking place in Angola, dramas which are threatenting other parts of Africa, it is necessary for him to continue to do his best to maintain the British aid programme in East Africa, and especially the new programme of rural development aid in Tanzania, which everyone concerned believes to be of great importance?

Mr. Prentice

We have a substantial programme in East Africa, including, I am glad to say, a substantial programme building up in Tanzania. I think that the hon. Gentleman is right to draw attention to the importance of the East African countries not only because of what is happening in Angola but because of the long-term economic interests of the people in those countries.

45. Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Minister for Overseas Development what was the total amount of overseas aid distributed by Her Majesty's Government in the most recent year for which figures are available; and by what percentage this exceeds or is less than the total for two and four years previously, respectively, at constant prices.

Mr. Prentice

Net aid disbursements in the financial year 1974–75 were £323.9 million against £252.6 million in 1972–73 and £197.5 million in 1970–71. In constant prices 1974–75 expenditure represents a decrease of 11.1 per cent. from 1972–73 and an increase of 3 per cent. over 1970–71.

Mr. Taylor

Is it the Government's policy that in the next few years the real value of aid should increase or decrease?

Mr. Prentice

I cannot anticipate the public expenditure figures which will be published later this week. I think that the hon. Gentleman will find adequate information in the White Paper when it is published.

Mr. Ioan Evans

Are not the figures rather disappointing when as a party we are committed to increasing expenditure to assist development areas? In spite of the difficult economic situation through which we are passing, will my right hon. Friend have discussions with his Cabinet colleagues to ensure that if there are to be cuts in public expenditure, the overseas development programme will be exempt and that it will be increased in the years ahead?

Mr. Prentice

I have been discussing these matters with my colleagues. Indeed, the whole Government have been discussing the public expenditure programme. The White Paper will be published later this week. In general, I think that we should consider our performance in recent years, and I think I may say our likely performance in future years, without any sense of complacency, recognising that neither we nor any other Western donors are anywhere near achieving the modest target of the United Nations General Assembly.