§ 45. M. Brocklebank-Fowlerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what additional steps he expects to take in respect of official assistance to developing countries, following agreements reached at the Versailles summit.
§ The Minister for Overseas Development (Mr. Neil Marten)Our aid policies are already consistent with the Versailles declaration.
§ Mr. Brocklebank-FowlerWhat new emphasis does the Minister propose to give to the policies designed to promote energy and food development in the Third world? Will he contemplate increasing overseas development assistance to meet the 0.7 per cent. target set by the United Nations 10 years ago?
§ Mr. MartenNo initiative on energy was proposed at the Versailles summit, and we have no further proposals to make. The 0.7 per cent. target was not specifically mentioned at Versailles, but we take the same view as the previous Administration—that we shall reach it as soon as our economy can justify it.
§ Mr. McElhoneIn order that we may make a more objective assessment of the value of the Versailles, Cancun and other summits, will the Minister answer the question that he refused to answer on 7 July? Will he confirm or deny that the PESC allocations from his Department are going to the Ministry of Defence or to the Foreign Office to pay for the Falklands exercise?
§ Mr. MartenThat question did not arise at the Versailles summit. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to table a question on the matter, I shall answer it.