HC Deb 19 March 1984 vol 56 c704
44. Mr. Bowen Wells

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make additional money available to the United Nations development programme and to the Commonwealth Development Corporation.

Mr. Raison

We announced in November 1983 a pledge of £19 million to UNDP for 1984, compared with one of £18.5 million for 1983. I regularly review the level of pledges to the UNDP and other UN voluntary funds. As regards the Commonwealth Development Corporation, concessional loans from the aid programme will, subject to parliamentary approval, be increased from £37 million in 1983–84 to £39 million in 1984–85.

Mr. Wells

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. Now that there is a shortfall in expenditure on the aid and trade provisions, and a shortfall under other headings within his Department, could he divert some of the money for advance payment to the World Bank to UNDP to make up our contribution? Is my right hon. Friend aware that the net contribution of the Treasury to CDC this year will be about £1.5 million net of tax, interest and capital repayments?

Mr. Raison

My hon. Friend is anticipating a little. We have not yet reached 31 March, which is the end of the finanial year, and I cannot yet say what the shortfall is. In answer to his second point, the CDC is doing an extremely good job, and the fact that my hon. Friend has just pointed out is a testimony to that.

Mr. Barnett

How much has our contribution to the United Nations development programme declined in real terms since the Government came to power?

Mr. Raison

I cannot give the hon. Gentleman the figure off the cuff, but I shall write and tell him the answer.