HC Deb 18 June 1984 vol 62 c18
37. Mr. Jackson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the resources available to the International Development Association and the regional affiliates of the World Bank are adequate for their immediate requirements; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Whitney

In the Government's view, the seventh replenishment of IDA's funds at a level of US $9 billion which has just been approved by the World Bank executive board, is inadequate to meet the needs of poor countries and we have indicated our willingness to contribute to supplementary funding to bring the total nearer the $12 billion which most donors thought appropriate.

Mr. Jackson

I thank my hon. Friend for that answer. Does he agree that the Government deserve congratulations on the part that they have played in endeavouring to ensure that loan finance is provided on an expanded basis through the IDA to the most needy parts of the Third world?

Mr. Whitney

I am happy to accept those congratulations and I shall certainly pass them on to my right hon. Friend.

Mr. Budgen

Would a common fund for commodities be rather like the CAP on a world-wide basis?

Mr. Whitney

My hon. Friend points to a danger of which all of us who are considering the project should be well aware.

Mr. Bowen Wells

On what conditions will Britain make the additional money available to IDA? Is it contingent upon the contribution of the United States and other countries?

Mr. Whitney

The supplementary fund is a matter for negotiation. We are closely in touch with all other donors, especially Japan and the Federal Republic of Germany. I think that, at this stage, I can go no further than that.

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