§ 78. Mr. HannamTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has any plans to increase the funds available to British voluntary agencies working in developing countries.
§ Mr. Chris PattenI recently announced an additional £3 million for voluntary agencies working in developing countries. Up to £2.5 million is being made available to support post-flood rehabilitation programmes in Bangladesh; and £500,000 has been allocated to the joint funding scheme, bringing this year's budget for the scheme to £11.2 million.
Our financial support for the voluntary agencies has increased substantially in recent years. Although decisions about next year's spending have yet to be finalised, I look forward to being able to offer substantial support in the future.