§ 1. Mr. SwayneHow many of the United Kingdom's remaining dependent territories receive development assistance; and if she will make a statement. [23858]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development (Mr. George Foulkes)The dependent territories receiving British development assistance are Montserrat, St. Helena and, to a lesser extent, Anguilla, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the British Virgin Islands and Pitcairn. The scale of our support to the poorer islands in particular illustrates the UK's commitment to the development of those territories.
§ Mr. SwayneThere seemed to be a note of menace in the Foreign Secretary's remarks, reported at the weekend, urging dependent territories to adopt our practice and expand their range of sexual experience. Who is in charge of the budget? Does the Minister believe that it should be transferred to another Department? Mindful of the fate of the cities of the plain, is he prepared for the Secretary of State to be cast in the role of Lot's wife?
§ Mr. FoulkesThere is no menace in my voice, despite the obvious temptations. Responsibility for the dependent territories is under consideration. We are looking at the representations made by the International Development Select Committee, which were far more reasoned and reasonable than the hon. Gentleman managed to be.