HC Deb 19 July 1976 vol 915 cc334-5W
37. Mr. Cartwright

asked the Minister for Overseas Development whether he will make a statement on the implications for British overseas aid and development policies of discussions covering this sphere of Government responsibility at recent OECD meetings.

Mr. Judd

At the Ministerial Meeting of the Council of the OECD held on 21st and 22nd June, member Governments recognised the need to improve further opportunities for developing countries in trade and in investment and technology. Ministers also recognised that increased concessional official development assistance is required, specially for those most in need. We accept that. However, we have always had to make it clear that our own ability to provide increased concessional aid must depend on the pace of our own economic recovery and on the calls on our resources.