International Committee of the Red Cross

HC Deb 13 June 1984 vol 61 c490W

Mr. Freeson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will increase substantially the annual contribution paid to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Mr. Whitney

Foreign and Commonwealth Office grants in aid are reviewed annually and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has been informed of our contribution to their regular budget for 1984. This contribution, which is the same as for 1983, reflects the substantial increase made last year, almost 38 per cent. in cash terms, over our 1982 contribution. The size of our contribution to the ICRC in 1985 will be considered, along with the requests of other bodies, later this year.