§ 45. Mr. Severasked the Lord Privy Seal when he expects to be able to give a figure for total United Kingdom aid to India for 1981–82.
§ Mr. Neil MartenThe final figure will be available late in 1982, but I expect to have a provisional figure by May.
§ Mr. SeverThe Minister will be aware of the interest that the House has shown in the aid programme to India. 19 Will he undertake to do everything within his power to convince his Cabinet colleagues that it is necessary to maintain the strongest possible aid programme to one of the most disadvantaged countries in the world?
§ Mr. Neil MartenWe do that within the resources available.
§ Sir John Biggs-DavisonIn view of the unprincipled propaganda against the Government's aid policy, will my right hon. Friend consider giving more publicity to the 20 Christian missions and other bodies that give generous aid to India and other countries? Is not the advantage of aid through private enterprise, private endeavour and charitable effort that less money finds its way into bureacratic channels and into the Swiss bank accounts of dictators?
§ Mr. MartenThe question relates to India. Therefore, dictatorships and Swiss bank accounts do not come into it. I pay tribute to the voluntary agencies mentioned by my hon. Friend. We are increasing our subscriptions to them.