§ 57. Mr. Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will increase financial support for the United Nations development programme.
§ Mr. RaisonAt the United Nations pledging conference on 8 November we announced that, subject to parliamentary approval, our contribution to UNDP in 1984 would be £19 million, an increase of £500,000 over that in 1983.
§ Mr. FisherDoes the Minister agree with industrialists and bankers who see increasing our aid not only as a moral duty but as being in our commercial interest?
§ Mr. RaisonI agree that the aid programme serves a moral purpose while at the same time serving British interests and commerce.
§ Mr. Roy HughesOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. May I draw your attention to question No. 27 on the Order Paper, which is addressed to the Secretary of State for Transport, but which unfortunately was not reached? Given the concern about the Severn bridge in south Wales and its importance to the economy there, I should like your guidance on the need for the Secretary of State to make a statement within the next 24 hours on the Floor of the House, so that hon. Members may have an opportunity to question him on this vital issue.
§ Mr. SpeakerThat is not a point of order for me. I think that the hon. Member for Newport, East (Mr. Hughes) heard what the hon. Member for Ogmore (Mr. Powell) said earlier — [HON. MEMBERS: "The hon. Member for Newport, East was not here then."] If the hon. Member for Newport, East was not in the Chamber at the time, he will be able to read in Hansard what was said.
§ Mrs. DunwoodyOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I understand that the Secretary of State for Transport made some personal remarks about me during Question Time. Since he was, as usual, wrong on all accounts, would you point out to him that it would be a great aid to efficiency if he learnt to read?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe Secretary of State is in the Chamber and will have heard the hon. Lady's remarks.