§ 44. Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations 695 he has received to ensure that funds for overseas development are given to individuals rather than organisations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RaisonI am not aware of any representations having been made on directing aid funds towards individuals rather than organisations. All aid is given with the ultimate intention of benefiting individuals, but is normally channelled through appropriate organisations, for the most part Governments or multilateral institutions.
§ Mr. ProctorDoes my right hon. Friend accept that one of the virtues missing from some of the countries which are the targets of overseas aid is capitalism? What is my right hon. Friend's Department doing to spread individual entrepreneurial skills to promote capitalism in those countries?
§ Mr. RaisonI very much agree with what my hon. Friend said. I believe that it is important that private enterprise in this country should play its part in promoting development overseas, which it can do by investment, and that the private sector in developing countries has a great deal to contribute to the success of those countries.
§ Mr. Mark RobinsonDoes my right hon. Friend agree that both multilateral and voluntary organisations can be extremely effective in the administration of aid?
§ Mr. RaisonI entirely agree with my hon. Friend, who I know has considerable experience in this area.