HC Deb 01 December 1980 vol 995 cc17-8
Mr. Spearing

49.

asked the Lord Privy Seal lithe speech regarding the level of United Kingdom overseas aid, made by the Minister for Overseas Development in the presence of the Archbishop of Canterbury on 19 November, represents the policy of his Department.

Mr. Neil Marten

Yes. Sir.

Mr. Spearing

Is it not a fact that the amount of aid that has been cut is more than that which has been cut from the domestic budget? In view of the Archbishop of Canterbury's moral strictures on this score and the fact that the Minster refuted them, or sought to do so, can we now assume that it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to restore the cuts pro rata when conditions permit?

Mr. Marten

I think that it would be the Government's wish to restore the cuts when conditions permit and when we have overcome the economic situation with which we are faced.

Mr. David Steel

Will the Minister explain how it is possible to exempt the very substantial defence budget from cuts while the tiny overseas aid budget is to be cut? If the hon. Gentleman will not listen to the Archbishop of Canterbury, will he listen to his former Prime Minister on this subject, the right hon. Member for Sidcup (Mr. Heath)?

Mr. Marten

I listen to everybody.

Mr. Stanbrook

Does not the unilateral transfer of resources from Britain to another country mean a reduction in our standard of living? Would it not be wise for the Archbishop of Canterbury to consider that and to say that it involves a reduction in our standard of living so as to clear some of the humbug that surrounds this subject?

Mr. Marten

I do not think that that is quite a correct statement of fact. However, I am all for clearing humbug.

Mr. Deakins

If the Minister fights the latest round of cuts and loses, will he try to do better next time? Will he follow the example set by my right hon. Friend the Member for Lanark (Dame Judith Hart) during the administrator of the previous Labour Government?

Mr. Marten

I shall always try to do my best but I cannot always succeed.