§ Mr. Spearingasked the Minister of Overseas Development if he will summarise in the Official Report the provisions of EEC documents S/406/75 and S/407/75 concerning co-ordination of members' aid policies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PrenticeThe first document puts forward specific Commission proposals for Community financial and technical assistance to the "non-Associated" developing countries, totalling 766 million units of account (approximately £375 million) over the period 1976–1980.
The second document outlines forms of consultation between the Community and its Member States designed to harmonise their policies and make their actions in international organisations more effective. Explanatory Memoranda on both documents have been placed in the Vote Office for the convenience of Members.
I am pressing for an early meeting of the Community's Development Ministers to discuss these proposals. I shall continue to work for the provision of Community financial aid to the poorest developing countries outside the areas covered by the Lome Convention and by Association Agreements; and for appropriate forms of harmonisation and co-ordination.