HC Deb 19 July 1976 vol 915 cc1278-9
31. Mr. Forman

asked the Minister for Overseas Development if he will make a further statement on the implications for his Department of the follow-up to UNCTAD IV.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Overseas Development (Mr. Frank Judd)

The United Kingdom intends to participate fully in the discussions in all the various international fora in which follow-up action to UNCTAD IV is to be considered. As I said in the House on 14th June, the conference referred the proposals of the developing and developed countries on the main policy issues concerning aid to the next meeting of the UNCTAD Trade and Development Board in October 1976.

Mr. Forman

In the light of the rather disappointing stance of the Government at Nairobi, will the Minister assure the House that he will fight, fight and fight again for this country's rather meagre aid budget in the present discussions? Will he ensure that the point is got across that aid is not only a moral imperative but an example of enlightened long-term self-interest for this country?

Mr. Judd

Clearly it is important that in overcoming our present economic difficulties we should not tread still more on the backs of the already deprived elsewhere in the world. It is and always has been the Government's view that we must do everything we can as rapidly as possible to move towards fulfilment of the 0.7 per cent. target when our economic situation permits.

Dr. Bray

Does my hon. Friend agree that, even though the Government might not be able to take constructive initiatives within UNCTAD's preparatory committees, they can nevertheless fulfil a useful role by trying to organise in the EEC a position which is sympathetic to the common fund?

Mr. Judd

We have reservations about the effectiveness of the common fund as an instrument for its declared objective. We believe that it is sensible to put those reservations clearly on the table. As on other issues, having done that we shall work closely with our colleagues in the EEC to see whether a co-ordinated position can be reached.