HC Deb 01 December 1980 vol 995 cc15-6
47. Mr. James Johnson

asked the Lord Privy Seal if Her Majesty's Government are still committed to the target of 0.7 per cent. of gross national product for its overseas aid; and by what date it hopes to review this.

The Minister for Overseas Development (Mr. Neil Marten)

The Government accept in principle the target of 0.7 per cent. but are not committed to a target date for achieving it. We have no plans to review this.

Mr. Johnson

Does the Minister accept that the evils of inflation, decreasing per capita income and the unemployment that we have suffered have hit the Third world much harder than they have hit us? Secondly, does not he agree that they have caused hunger, malnutrition, sickness and disease on a scale unknown and unimaginable in the United Kingdom? Is not this the very time when we should be giving more aid? Is not he a little ashamed to be in a Government who are cutting back on aid?

Mr. Marten

I have discussed our cuts in the aid programme with developing countries and explained to their representatives that the object is to reduce inflation in Britain. They accept that entirely. They do not want us to export inflation to them.

Mr. Bowen Wells

Does not my hon. Friend agree that the quantity of aid is not the most important factor? Does he accept that we need to aim at quality of aid that takes into account the local circumstances in each country and ensures that all the aid that we have available to give is used properly to build up efficiency and trading competitiveness in the country concerned?

Mr. Marten

Yes, I entirely agree with that. As for the quantity of aid, the net official development assistance figure was £974 million in 1979. We reached 0.52 per cent. of gross national product. It is the quality of British aid and the supervision of it which I think is outstanding throughout the world.

Mr. McElhone

How does the Minister justify that statement? Is it not sheer hypocrisy for the Government to keep saying that they support the giving of aid to the extent of 0.7 per cent. of GNP when at the same time the Government continue to make cut after cut in the aid programme? Is the hon. Gentleman not misleading the House?

Mr. Marten

The answer to the second part of the hon. Gentleman's question is "No, Sir". The commitment to 0.7 per cent. without giving a target date is precisely the same policy as was followed by the previous Government, of whom the hon. Gentleman was such a notable supporter.