HC Deb 16 March 1981 vol 1 cc15-6
43. Mr. Deakins

asked the Lord Privy Seal what was the United Kingdom's bilateral aid to the poorest countries in the latest 12 months for which figures are available; and how this compares in real terms with the previous 12 months.

The Minister for Overseas Development (Mr. Neil Marten)

Net bilateral aid to the poorest countries in the calendar year 1980 is estimated at £288 million, which is about 24 per cent. lower in real terms compared with 1979. But I would emphasise that this does not represent a policy decision to cut aid to these countries by 24 per cent. United Kingdom aid is planned on a financial year basis. The pattern of drawings often fluctuates sharply between quarters. Drawings in the first three-quarters of the current financial year by some recipients, notably India, were lower than anticipated. The level of bilateral aid drawings in the calendar year 1980 was low, in contrast to 1979 which was rather high, in relation to resources available.

Mr. Deakins

Is the Minister aware that a cut of this magnitude from one year to the next may have a disastrous effect on the economies of some of the poorest countries in the world? Is he further aware that such countries, particularly those hit by oil price rises and the world recession, may be driven into deeper economic straits, leading to a political instability which would be in no one's interests?

Mr. Marten

Yes, I recognise those facts. But, as I said in my answer, this is not a cut.

Mr. James Johnson

Does the Minister accept that the saddest feature of all this cutting, economy and cheeseparing is in overseas education? The Minister must know as well as I do, because he goes overseas far more than I do, that countries overseas are dying for teachers, particularly teachers of the English language. Is he aware that this hits back at us and at his party because if the English language is losing ground our business men are at a disadvantage in competing against the French and many other nations?

Mr. Marten

I recognise that, but plenty of teachers are willing to go abroad. The market is there and they go. Overseas countries can employ them if they want to, and they can go there if they want to.

Mr. Russell Johnston

As the Minister has twice said that this figure does not represent a cut, will he assure the House that in the year ahead the Government will take steps to ensure that the drop will be made up?

Mr. Marten

We shall do our best to do so, but it is not necessarily the fault of this Government. The receiving Governments are sometimes very slow in taking up what we have offered.