§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the total amount spent on overseas aid in 1978–79(a) at current prices and (b) at 1988 prices; what is the estimated figure for 1988–89; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Chris PattenThe public expenditure allocation for overseas aid (net aid programme) in 1978–79 was £715 million, or £1,533 million at 1988–89 prices. The comparable planning figure for 1988–89 is £1,307 million.
Since 1982–83 the aid budget has been maintained in real terms. It is now growing. The planning figure for 1988–89 is over £90 million more than we spent in 1987–88. The programme is planned to rise by a further £68 million in 1989–90 and £45 million in 1990–91.