HC Deb 14 March 1988 vol 129 c426W
61. Sir Russell Johnston

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to assist Commonwealth countries in sub-Saharan Africa with their current problem of external debt.

Mr. Chris Patten

The United Kingdom has put forward an initiative to alleviate the debt problems of the poorest sub-Saharan African countries, including those which are members of the Commonwealth. We have also promised major contributions to the IMF's enhanced structural adjustment facility and the World Bank's special programme of assistance, both of which will provide considerable help to these countries.

Gross bilateral aid for Commonwealth countries in sub-Saharan Africa in 1986 was £200 million.