HL Deb 01 February 1989 vol 503 cc1203-4WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What amounts of governmental loans to which developing countries have been (a) converted to grants and (b) made interest-free or at lower interest rates, during the last five years; and what further steps are planned in coming years.

Lord Glenarthur

Between 1984 and 1988 past aid loans amounting to £54.93 million have been converted to grants. A further £3.07 million has been spent on reducing arrears of debt and financing payments due on outstanding loans. The detailed figures are as follows:

Country Date Principal Interest £million Total
Ethiopia 1984 2.57 — 2.57
East African Community 1984 2.26 0.20 2.45
Ghana 1985 49.18 1.70 50.88
Senegal 1988 0.92 0.15 1.07
54.93 2.05 56.97
Refinancing Grants 1983–1988
£million
Date Principal Interest Total
Senegal 1987 0.08 0.12 0.20
Zambia 1985 1.56 — 1.56
Zambia 1987 0.86 0.45 1.31
2.50 0.57 3.07

The eligibility of countries to benefit under retrospective terms adjustment is kept under regular review.